In order to properly maintain your braking system, you need to have at least a basic understanding of how it works. That way you will know how to monitor it and see when it needs to be serviced.
The most crucial piece to your braking system are the pads. These are what make contact with the rotors and actually stop your vehicle. When you press the brake pedal your master cylinder will force brake fluid through the system to your calipers. Your calipers are where the pads reside. When this happens, the fluid forces the calipers to compress. That compression is what causes the pads to make contact with the rotors, squeezing it as it spins which creates friction. This friction is what causes the rotors to slow and your vehicle to stop.
If you have any further questions about your brake pads or your braking system in general then feel free to ask one of the experts here at Ourisman Ford & Lincoln in Alexandria.