Most people don't spend much time thinking about their brakes and simply expect them to work when they step on the pedal to slow down and stop. However, your car's brakes work hard every time you drive.

Over time, your brakes experience normal wear and tear, which can leave them ineffective or useless when you need them most. Understanding your brakes and why they need preventative maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle operating safely.

Brake System Basics

Most modern vehicles have brakes on all four wheels that operate through a hydraulic system. The two types of brakes most commonly used on cars are disc brakes and drum brakes.

The primary difference is that disc brakes create friction with a disc-shaped rotor and a pair of brake pads, whereas drum brakes use a circular drum and brake shoes. Disc brakes are typically more efficient than drums, making them ideal for the front wheels.

You should also have your vehicle's brakes checked if:

- You notice strange noises when you depress the brake pedal.

- Your steering wheel shakes or pulls when braking.

-  When you push the brake pedal, it feels soft or spongy and may go to the floor.

Benefits of a Brake Inspection & Preventative Maintenance

Without proper preventative maintenance, even everyday driving situations can become hazardous. Regular brake inspections and preventative maintenance are vital to keeping your vehicle running safely and eliminating expensive repairs or even dangerous situations.

When you trust your brakes to the professionals at Subaru, you can be sure that your vehicle stops as it should. During a brake inspection, our certified technicians thoroughly check every component of your brake system for leaks, wear, and damaged parts.

If your brakes require service, we will ensure that the correct service is performed with the right parts. Use our online service scheduler to schedule your brake inspection and let us help keep you and your family safe.