The Brake Breakdown

The Brake Breakdown – Your Guide to Brake Inspection and Maintenance

When it comes to your vehicle’s health, few things are as crucial as maintaining a reliable and efficient braking system. In this post, we’ll break down the importance of regular brake inspections, the components involved, warning signs of brake problems, and how these issues can be repaired. Let’s dive into “The Brake Breakdown”!

The Importance of Regular Brake Inspections Your brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your car. Regular brake inspections not only ensure the safety of you and your passengers but also help prevent costly repairs down the road. Experts recommend having your brakes checked at least once a year or following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Components Examined During a Brake Inspection During a brake inspection, a technician will examine several key components of your vehicle’s brake system, including:

  1. Brake Pads: These help create friction to slow down or stop your car. Over time, they wear down and need replacement.
  2. Calipers: These hold the brake pads against the rotors to create friction. They can become damaged or corroded over time.
  3. Rotors: These metal discs work with the brake pads to slow down your vehicle. Warped or unevenly worn rotors can cause reduced braking performance.
  4. Brake Lines: These transfer brake fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers. Damaged or leaking lines can lead to a loss of brake pressure.

Warning Signs of Brake Problems Here are some common warning signs that indicate a potential issue with your brakes:

  1. Screeching or Squealing: This noise typically occurs when your brake pads have worn down and need replacement.
  2. Grinding: A grinding sound may indicate worn-down brake pads or a damaged rotor.
  3. Vibrations: If your brake pedal vibrates while braking, it could be due to a warped rotor or worn brake pads.
  4. Reduced Brake Performance: If your car takes longer to stop than usual, it’s a clear sign that your brakes need attention.

Brake Component Wear and Repair Different brake components may experience wear and tear over time. Here’s how they’re commonly repaired:

  1. Brake Pads: Worn-out brake pads are replaced with new ones to restore braking performance.
  2. Calipers: If damaged or corroded, calipers may be rebuilt or replaced.
  3. Rotors: Warped or unevenly worn rotors can be resurfaced or replaced, depending on the severity of the issue.
  4. Brake Lines: Damaged or leaking brake lines should be replaced immediately to prevent loss of brake pressure.

Regular brake inspections are essential for your vehicle’s overall health and safety. By understanding the components involved, warning signs of brake problems, and repair methods, you can ensure a safe driving experience for yourself and your passengers. Trust Dearholt AutoCare for all your brake inspection and maintenance needs!

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Brakes

Brakes: Important Safety Equipment

YOUR VEHICLE’S MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY SYSTEM

When it comes to vehicle safety, your brake system is at the top of the list. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car & eventually they’re going to need to be replaced. For routine maintenance, check your vehicle’s braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses & brake lines, brake & dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.

If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel & squealing.
Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type & the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous & lead to a more costly repair bill.

“A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle operation & control under a variety of driving conditions,” said Rich White, Executive Director of the non-profit Car Care Council. “Motorists can put a stop to any potential brake system problems by recognizing the signs & symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.” The Car Care Council offers tools to help you learn more about auto care & brake repair.

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Do I need a Brake Fluid Service?

BRAKE FLUID FLUSH

Why do I need a Brake Fluid Service?

This two stage service consists of 1) Vacuum Flush to remove contaminated fluid 2) Brake bleed assures fluid is free of moisture and air.

Did you know?

Brake fluid naturally absorbs moisture and that moisture is a leading cause in brake failures. Additional moisture will reduce the boiling point and may cause your brakes to become sluggish or non-responsive.

Most manufacturers recommend changing your brake fluid about every 30,000 miles — approximately every two years. DON’T OPEN THE BRAKE FLUID CAP! Introduction of dirt and additional moisture can happen easily if you are not careful. The reservoir should be transparent so you can see how dirty the fluid is just by looking. But fluid color is not the only indicator and you may not be able to visibly see corrupted fluid.

Some of the benefits of a fluid flush include:

  • Extends life of the Brake System
  • Better stopping power
  • Better power braking
  • Decreases braking distance
  • Reduces system wear an corrosion