Brake pads, linings and rotors are parts of your car’s brake system and are housed next to each of the wheels. They push against one another to create friction, which is how they stop your car.

There are two kinds of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes. Your vehicle is probably equipped with disc brakes, which are the most common system in use today. You can look at the disc brake system as being very similar to hand brakes on a bicycle. When you step on your car’s brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze a spinning disc rotor that’s attached to the wheel. The resulting friction, when applied to each of the wheels, slows the car to a stop- or in some cases, a screeching halt!

The second type, drum brakes, involve brake shoes that push out against a spinning brake drum, which is attached to the wheel. This friction that is created between the brake shoes and brake drum slows the car.

Both drum and disc brake systems work by creating friction, and it’s no secret that repeated friction between objects causes wear and tear, which then means that brakes eventually need to be replaced. The questions then are, how worn out are your brakes? Are they worn out enough that they need to be replaced? And is this something I can do myself?

To answer the last question, unless you’ve built a car yourself you are in no way qualified to replace your breaks. That’s what our top-notch All Star Automotive service center is for!

It is 100% recommended that you replace your brakes when they need to be replaced, unless you want to risk crashing into the car in front of you while trying to stop at a traffic light. If you neglect your brake pads and shoes, your brakes will ultimately fail. More so, if you fail to replace your pads and shoes at the time they need to be replaced, you can cause damage to other, more expensive brake parts, such as rotors, drums and calipers. In other words, allowing our highly qualified service technicians and mechanics to replace your brake pads and shoes at the appropriate time will save you time and money!

You don’t have to wait for your brakes to fail on you while driving to know whether they need to be replaced or not. We’ve compiled a list of a few signs to look for that could mean your brakes need servicing:

• Flashing brake warning light
• Squealing, chirping or grinding noises
• Pulsations in the brake pedal
• Shaky steering wheel
• Increased stopping distance
• Car pulls to one side when you stop

If you notice any of the above signs, make an appointment with our service center right away. Click here to schedule your appointment with us online!

Come and see why All Star’s integrity and extraordinary customer service will prove to be second to none. Whether you’re looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, we look forward to sharing our vast knowledge of the automotive industry with you, your family and friends.

At All Star Automotive, we offer a wide range of automotive services to make every step of your ownership experience as easy as possible, whether you’re shopping around, or need repairs from certified experts.

To help you find just what you’re looking for, our new inventory and used inventory search provides plenty of options. And when you’re ready, quick credit approvals and online financing help make your purchase go smoothly and efficiently. You can also schedule your service online and get the expertise of one of our factory-trained technicians. All these options are available at Baton Rouge’s favorite place to buy and service vehicles – All Star Automotive!