Brakes

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Brakes

Why Are My Brakes Locking Up While Driving?

It’s terrifying when your brakes lock up. Learn the potential causes of brakes locking up while driving, how to prevent it in the future, and how to react when they do.


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All of Our Brakes Articles

All of Our Brakes Articles

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Drivers experinceing brakes locking up while they are driving
Brakes

Why Are My Brakes Locking Up While Driving?

It’s terrifying when your brakes lock up. Learn the potential causes of brakes locking up while driving, how to prevent it in the future, and how to react when they do.


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Sneakered foot pressing down on car's brake pedal
Brakes

The Braking Point: 8 Possible Causes for Brake Lag

Brakes not slowing you down as they used to? Don’t let the unthinkable happen! Discover the common causes of brake lag, their symptoms, and how to resolve them!


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When It’s Time to Check Your Brake Rotors
Brakes

THIS V.I.B.E. MEANS IT’S TIME TO CHECK YOUR BRAKE ROTORS

Do I need new rotors? You might. Watch and listen for these signs it's time to replace your brake rotors and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care.


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Sneakered foot pressing down on car's brake pedal
Brakes

WHY ARE MY BRAKES SQUEAKING

Ouch! Do your brakes sound like nails on a chalkboard? Find out why you may have squeaky, noisy brakes and what might bring the racket to a stop!


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At home break bleed system
Brakes

WHAT IS BRAKE BLEEDING VERSUS FLUID EXCHANGING

Wondering how to bleed brakes? Leave it to the experts at Firestone Complete Auto Care to recommend brake service and maintenance you can trust.


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a man in a glove holds an old oil filter
Brakes

7 Contaminated Brake Fluid Indicators

Brake fluid is essential to your vehicle’s brake performance. Here are five signs your brake fluid may be dirty and when it’s time to schedule a brake service.


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image of electric car's interior
Brakes

Regenerative Braking Explained: Your Questions Answered

Regenerative braking offers electric and hybrid cars an innovative way to harness energy from brakes. Learn more with this in-depth guide.


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image of mechanic servicing car brakes
Brakes

Get to Know the Essential Parts of Your Braking System

Although braking is second-nature to most drivers, many don't understand how brakes function. Get to know the essential parts of your braking system here.


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image of red car brake caliper
Brakes

Can’t Pump the Brakes? 4 Causes of Stiff Brake Pedals

If your brake pedal is suddenly hard to press down, it may be no longer safe to drive! Here are four causes of a stiff brake pedal and what to do about it.


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image of a man stepping on a brake
Brakes

Tips for Troubleshooting Brake Problems at Home

Got squealing brakes or an illuminated brake light? Learn how to troubleshoot brake problems and determine whether those problems need professional attention.


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image of a braking system
Brakes

What Happens If My Car Runs Out of Brake Fluid?

Your vehicle’s brakes need brake fluid to work. Without it, it can be hard to stop! Learn about the signs of low brake fluid and what happens if you run out.


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Image of vehicle brakes
Brakes

Why Is There a Hissing Noise When I Brake?

Inform yourself about what’s causing that hissing noise when braking your car, truck, or SUV, and what you can and should do to stop that hissing noise.


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image or a brake rotor on a jack
Brakes

4 Reasons to Think Twice Before Changing Your Brake Pads at Home

Thinking of changing your brake pads yourself at home? You may want to think again! Learn how replacing brake pads is more complicated than you might think.


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comparison of new and worn brake pads
Brakes

4 Things That Can Happen When You Drive With Worn Brakes

Driving with worn brakes can be annoying. But there's more to it than the annoying squeal! Here are 4 things that can happen when you drive with worn brakes.

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sneaker-wearing foot on brake pedal
Brakes

New Brakes Squeaking? What You Should Know

New brake pads, new brake squealing? Learn when new brake noise is normal and when it might be cause for concern with info from Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Car driving through an intersection
Brakes

How to Help Your Car Brake Smoothly

Learning how to brake smoothly isn't just a way to practice safe driving. It's also a great way to keep your car's braking system from wearing out too soon.

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Finger pointing to brake shoes in a drum brake
Brakes

What Are Brake Shoes & How Are They Different From Pads

You may have heard the terms "brake shoes" and "brake pads," but did you know they aren't the same? Learn what brake shoes are and how they differ from pads.

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Firestone technician inspecting brake calipers
Brakes

Why Are My Brake Pads Only Wearing on One Side?

Have your brakes fallen victim to uneven wear? Find out some possible causes for brakes only wearing on one side and how Firestone Complete Auto Care can help!

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Firestone technician fixing brakes
Brakes

What Does Brake Fluid Do?

Your car's brake fluid makes sure that a little push goes a long way. Learn why brake fluid is so important to your safety and what can cause brake fluid leaks.


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Foot on a brake pedal
Brakes

Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

Grinding brake noises are scary! But what's making that grinding noise, and is it really as bad as it sounds? Here's why brakes grind and what to do about it!

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Driver with two hands on the wheel on a snowy road
Brakes

4 Cold Weather Brake Problems to Watch Out For

Dashing through the snow in a four-door sleigh? No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, watching for these cold weather brake problems can help you stay safe.

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Driving down a steep slope
Brakes

Why Is There a Burning Smell From My Brakes

Stop and smell...your brakes? If you catch a whiff of burning brakes, it could be due to overheated brake pads, new brake parts, or a forgotten parking brake.

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What Do Brakes Sound Like?
Brakes,Videos

What Do Brakes Sound Like?

What do your brakes sound like when it's time to change the pads? Kind of like a squealing pig. When you hear that sound, it's time for new pads.


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What Happens When You Slam on the Brakes
Brakes

What Happens When You Slam on the Brakes

Car! Traffic! Bambi? There are many reasons to slam on the brakes, but making it a habit could hurt your car. Learn what happens when you slam the brakes.

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Can Brakes Overheat?
Brakes

Can Brakes Overheat?

Brake problems make it hard to stop. Thankfully, many are easy to smell or feel! Learn what to do when brakes overheat, with Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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What Does a Free Brake Inspection Include?
Brakes

What Does a Free Brake Inspection Include?

You shouldn't have to spend a pretty penny to stop on a dime. Learn more about what's involved in a free brake inspection at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Firestone technician in grey overalls performing a brake service
Brakes

Myth vs. Fact: Are All Brake Noises Bad?

Screeching to a stop at every turn? You may (or may not) have a problem. Learn about common brake noises that are temporary with Firestone Complete Auto Care


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Firestone technician working on a brake pad
Brakes

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

How long do brake pads last? The answer to that question depends on your braking habits, driving style, and car. Learn more, from Firestone Complete Auto Care.


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Help! My Parking Brake Is Stuck!
Brakes

Help! My Parking Brake's Stuck

Firestone Complete Auto Care can help! Learn how you may be able to solve for (and avoid) the most common culprits of a stuck parking brake.

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Businessman's feet in wheel well, pressing gas and brake pedal
Brakes

Get to the Bottom of Your Spongy Brake Problem

Soft brakes make safe driving hard. Find out how to tell if your brakes are "soft" and what could be behind this change in braking performance.


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Line of cars, brake lights in traffic
Brakes

Brake for Safety: When to Change Your Brake Fluid

Brake fluid can need replacing too, though not as often as motor oil. Learn when you may be due for a brake fluid flush, from Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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When to Use Your Parking Brake
Brakes

When To Use Your Parking Brake

Learn why your parking brake is so essential to your safety & that of your vehicle, plus when to use your parking brake, from Firestone Complete Auto Care!

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Checking brake fluid level in car
Brakes

Basic Brake Maintenance: 3 Simple Steps to Check Brake Fluid

Learn how to check your brake fluid level, plus when it may be time to stop by Firestone Complete Auto Care for a brake service, fluid change, or repair.

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A 3D render of an extreme closeup of an illuminated brake dashboard light on an dashboard panel background
Brakes

Why Is My Brake Light On?

Ignoring your dashboard brake light could prove dangerous! Learn why it may be on and what to do, from Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Hand gripping car's steering wheel
Brakes,Driving

What To Do When Your Steering Wheel Shakes When Braking

Here's why your steering wheel could be shaking when you brake and how you can put a stop to it with a little help from Firestone Complete Auto Care!

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Driving in wet road conditions, driver's hands on steering wheel and windshield wipers moving
Brakes

How Does An Anti-Lock Brake System Work & What Does It Do?

Anti-lock brakes help stop your car, fast. Learn how ABS works, what it does & how it improves your safety on the road, from Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Close up of car's rotor with brake pad and mechanic's hands working
Brakes

Everything You Need to Know About Brake Pads

Learn more about your car's brake pads, how they work, and when it may be time to stop by Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free brake inspection!

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Firestone Complete Auto Care technician's red gloved hands performing a brake repair service
Brakes

5 Brake Myths—Busted!

Learn more about your car's brakes and get answers to common brake misconceptions related to braking time, brake noises, pads, temperature, and more!

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Firestone Complete Auto Care technician's red gloved hands performing a brake repair service
Brakes

5 Brake Myths—Busted!

Learn more about your car's brakes and get answers to common brake misconceptions related to braking time, brake noises, pads, temperature, and more!

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Woman in red pants pulling parking brake in car after brake failure
Brakes

How to Stop Safely When Your Brakes Fail (And Signs They're On Their Way Out)

Learn three important signs that could mean your brakes are failing, plus how to navigate to safety if they do!

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Firestone technician working on a brake pad
Brakes

Firestone Technicians: The Experts in Brake Repair

Wondering what makes Firestone Complete Auto Care's technicians experts in handling all of your brake needs? Read on to learn about our techs' certifications.


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brake-fluid
Brakes

Everything You Need To Know About Brake Fluid

Learn how brake fluid helps to make sure your brake system works at optimal levels.

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New or resurfaced rotors with every brake service at Firestone Complete Auto Care
Brakes

Brake Service at Firestone Complete Auto Care

Find out exactly what to expect when you bring your car or truck to Firestone Complete Auto Care for brake service.

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Worn brake rotor, pad, and caliper with wheel and tire removed
Brakes

Know the Signs & Stay Ahead of Brake Problems

Experiencing a noise from your brakes or rotors and not sure what it is? Learn about some common brake problems to help you decide if you need brake service.

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Worn out & corroded brakes mean it’s time for brake repair
Brakes,FAQs

Everything You Need to Know About Brakes

Get to know your car's brakes. Find out how your brake pads, calipers, rotors, and other parts work to make your car stop when you need it to.

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