Brakes
A brake is a device which either prevents motion or inhibits it by stopping or slowing a moving object. Brakes are typically applied to rotating wheels or axles, although some vehicles use a combination of braking mechanisms. Almost every single vehicle with wheels uses some sort of brake (even shopping carts). Brakes convert kinetic energy, created by friction between two surfaces pressed together, into heat.
Brands
When it comes to performance brakes, brands like Hawk, Baer, Brembo and EBC 
stand out from the rest. These manufacturers make extremely high-quality brakes which year after year perform very well on performance tests. EBC tends to rank the highest. It uses three different formulas to provide the best braking performance for your specific automotive. Brembo is another highly rated brand, and often rates the highest on safety tests.
Safety
Ensuring your brakes are well maintained and looked after is essential. It is time to get your brakes serviced or checked when the red brake lamp on the dash lights up, you hear a squealing or grinding sound coming from the wheel area, or your “Anti-lock” or “ABS” dash indicator is lit while you are driving. To help prevent excessive wear on brakes, shift to a lower gear before descending down a hill as opposed to using the brake pedal to control speed. If your brakes do fail, shift into a lower gear and apply the emergency brake.
Benefits
Regular car maintenance should be any car owner’s number one priority, and ensuring
your brakes are performing well should be item #1 on the agenda. It is recommended that you have your brakes inspected once a year to ensure they are still performing well. It is extremely important for your safety, as the last thing you want is for your brakes to fail while you are on the road. Checking your brakes regularly also helps save money on repairs, which can sometimes cost a lot depending on the damage. Lastly, regular maintenance of brakes means a longer lifespan for your vehicle.
Drawbacks
There are no real drawbacks to upgrading your brakes and getting them checked regularly. There are some drawbacks to ABS brakes, such as inconsistent stop times. ABS brakes are made to provide for better braking in wet or slippery conditions, but this can sometimes mean that stopping distances in regular conditions are lengthened. This is often caused by an error in the system. An ABS can also be expensive to maintain, and the system can get disorientated rather easily. For regular brakes, however, it is important to keep them well maintained, regardless of the cost.
Cost
Each shop has its own prices, and the cost often depends on not only the brand of brake but also your car’s make and model. It is estimated that you will pay somewhere between $50 and $100 per hour to have your brakes serviced. It is recommended that you shop around to find the best prices, while at the same time ensuring your brakes are being serviced properly. Getting your brakes serviced annually can save you money, however, as it could cost much, much more to repair damaged brakes.