Your car’s brake system is one of its most critical safety systems and as such, it is imperative to keep it maintained and functioning properly. Doing so helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation under a wide variety of conditions. If you suspect any problems or have any concerns, you should have it inspected as soon as possible.
The average car owner may not be familiar with how the vehicle’s braking system works. You may have heard terms thrown around, “caliper”, “drum brakes”, “hydraulic system”, but not understood how they work together from pushing the brake pedal to stopping the car. It all starts when you push the brake pedal. That force generates hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder. The master cylinder uses brake fluid to transfer pressure through the hydraulic lines and hoses to the calipers and/or wheel cylinders (one at each wheel). The calipers and wheel cylinders use that pressure to squeeze the brake pads and/or shoes against rotors and/or drums to stop your car.
Discs Or Brake Drum Replacement
Disc brakes are made up of rotors, pads, and calipers, among other, smaller parts. The rotor is a metal disc that rotates with the wheels. The stationary mounted caliper holds a pad on each side of the rotor and slides to force the pads against the rotor when pressure is applied. Drum brakes, conversely, are made up of shoes (which function as the pads in a disc brake system) and are enclosed in a drum (which functions as the rotor in a disc brake system). The shoes push against the drum when pressure is applied. The resulting friction, from the pads against the rotor or the shoes against the drum, slows the vehicle.
Brakes are eventually going to need replacement. Some vehicles have indicators to help alert you when new pads are needed, however, it is recommended that as a car owner you are proactive about knowing the condition of your brakes. Avoid letting the brakes get too worn (i.e., metal to metal), as that can mean a more expensive rotor or drum replacement and a potential safety issue.
Symptoms Of Needed Brake Repair
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms or have any other concerns in regard to your brakes, please contact Clark Automotive:
● Car pulls to one side during braking
● Brake pedal pulsates when you apply the brakes
● Brake pedal feels “mushy”
● Noise when you step on the brake pedal
● Repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder
● Brake and/or ABS warning light
If your vehicle is having brake problems, give Clark Automotive a call and schedule your Blaine brake repair appointment today. We will get you in the shop promptly; we know brakes are one of the most crucial parts of your vehicle. At Clark Automotive, we service vehicles from all around the Blaine area.
