Updated December 11, 2025
With the stop-and-go traffic found across Northern Virginia, it’s especially important to make sure your braking system is taken care of.
As you step on the brake pedal, different actions go into motion. What this process looks like and the parts involved will depend on the type of brakes your vehicle has.
What are the different types of brakes?
There are two kinds of brakes found on cars today: drum brakes and disc brakes.
The brake parts of each brake type and how they operate differ.
How do drum brakes and disc brakes work?
Drum brakes come with brake lines and wheel cylinders that are connected by brake hoses.
When stopping, the brake shoes and brake drum come together. This is a result of wheel cylinder pistons pushing out, prompted by the brake fluid.
Meanwhile, disc brakes feature brake pads and rotors, and brake calipers. The pads and rotors come in contact with one another with help from the calipers.
Which vehicles have drum brakes?
Drum brakes aren’t limited to a specific make or model. We’ve seen them on different kinds of vehicles, including Ford Explorers, Chevy Tahoes and Chevy Cruzes. Older Toyotas had drum brakes in the rear.
Disc brakes are found on the front and rear of most cars. However, some vehicles have both types (disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear).
When should you replace drum brakes?
Brakes should be a minimum of 2/32 of an inch to pass the Virginia State Inspection.
We recommend drivers begin replacing their brakes when they hit 3/32 of an inch or 4/32 of an inch, depending on the vehicle. Some manufacturers may suggest they get changed sooner.
Symptoms could also appear when your brakes are nearing the end of their lifespan or other brake problems are present.
What are signs of brake problems?
Because the brake shoes press against the drum, you may hear a squealing or grinding sound when they’re getting low.
The parking brake not holding as well might also be an indicator. Sometimes, an adjustment can fix the parking brake. But if it needs to be adjusted too much, it may be time to replace the brake shoes.
Pulsation could mean that brake repair is needed. However, that sign is normally associated with the drum being out of round.
Brake dust on the wheels, brake fluid leaks, and the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) light turning on are other problems we keep an eye out for.
What are brake diagnostics?
Have you noticed any of the symptoms mentioned, or has another concern appeared?
Through diagnostic testing, our technicians are able to figure out the source of a problem – whether it’s a noise, a warning light, or a road manner.
Brake diagnostics help us get to the bottom of a brake problem. It begins with a visual inspection and some road tests. Using information from the customer, we try to recreate the concern.
This process can involve a variety of steps, and the length of time it takes differs among vehicles and situations.
No matter what kind of brakes your car uses, it’s crucial that your braking system is working the way it’s supposed to and any problems that arise are addressed as soon as possible.
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.