The Brake Repair Secret ...That The Auto Shops Don't Want You To Know About

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In order to determine if your car requires brake repair, you should have at least some knowledge on how your car’s brake system function, the common causes of brake failure, and what constitutes brake repair issues. However, as with all car problems and not only for brake repair, it is always wise to consult your trusted mechanic especially if you have next to none knowledge on car troubles.

How a Brake System Functions

The brake system of your car is a multifaceted grouping of various components used to keep you safe while driving. Undoubtedly, no other car system plays a vital role for your safety than your brake system so it is very important that you keep it in optimum condition. The brake pedal is a lever made of steel that directs your foot’s force into the brake's master cylinder. Normally, it has a connected switch for turning on the brake lights once the brake pedal is pressed down. Once you press the brake pedal down, a push rod then pushes the master cylinder. The master cylinder on the other hand is made up of a fluid tank and a piston.

When moved, the piston will direct the brake fluid into the brake lines and further into the wheel cylinder or brake caliper. Almost all front wheels of vehicles have disc brakes, while plenty of rear wheels also have disc brakes. In the event that the disc brakes will not be employed, the drum brakes will come into play.

The brake fluid directed to the brake lines will push the brake caliper's piston consequently applying force on the brake pads. Conventionally, brake pads are created from either a hard, metallic or organic compound in order that they survive everyday wear and tear that typically comes from pressure and high heat.

Once your brake pads get in contact with the rotor, heat and friction will be generated. In this process, your wheels' rotating energy is converted into heat via friction which will eventually lead to your vehicle stopping or braking.

Rotors on the other hand are usually created from cast iron. They are manufactured to withstand heat so that it will not warp and cause problems. Unfortunately however, many vehicles today have rotors that are too small so they cannot handle warping as much and can warp in as little as 1,000 miles. The rotor is secured between the spindle and wheel and is capable of rotating at the speed at which your wheels rotate.

Common Warning Signs of Brake Repair

• Drag – brakes that stick, engine losing power, and hot wheels. In this case, your brakes may not release or vice versa, which will leave you with no braking power at all.
• Brake lights – experiencing a severe drop in the pressure of the brake's hydraulics or activation of the emergency brake. In this scenario, total brake failure is at hand.
• Hard brake pedals – when stepping on the brake pedals, you exert a higher amount of pressure (more than usual) for the brake to work. This can mean restrictions in the hydraulic lines, power brake problems, damaged brake linings, or frozen wheel cylinders or brake calipers.
• Grabs – when your brakes grab even with the slightest bit of pressure. This may be a sign of a simple problem concerning oil or grease contaminated brake linings or a sign of a more serious problem regarding broken or loose brake components that require immediate attention.
• Pull – when your vehicle pulls to a specific side when you step on the brakes. This can mean maladjusted brakes or underinflated tires.
• Low brake pedals – when your brakes function only after your brake pedals almost touches your vehicle's floorboard which in turn usually turns on the brake warning light. This can mean minor issues which require minor brake repair or may mean serious brake problems requiring comprehensive brake repair.
• Vibration – occurs when your entire car, steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates or shakes when you use the brakes. This can mean that your disc brake rotors require resurfacing or may indicate a bigger problem regarding defective steering mechanism or loose brake components.
• Squeal – when your brakes squeal. Typically, brakes function with a slight noise, but loud squeals, bangs, clatter, groans, grinding, and screeches require brake repair.

Common Brake Problems that lead to Brake Failure

Because your car's braking system is always used, your brake pads naturally suffer which can lead to brake failure if ignored and not properly maintained. It is generally recommended that you have the brake pads professionally inspected every six months or when you begin to notice a problem.

More often than not, brake pads have a sleek, metal tab that shakes against the rotors in the event that the brake pads are really worn out to a hazardous level. However, some brake pads don’t have this metal tab which means that if not regularly checked, problems can lead to rotor damage which can then lead to brake failure.

Another common brake failure cause is a warped rotor which is typical in newer vehicles, but is likewise observed in all other disc brake systems. A warped rotor is the result of improper wheel alignment or an overheated rotor. It will cause a pulsing sensation when applying the brakes. In this light, having your rotor checked periodically is also a must.

Safety is of the utmost importance to you and your family because accidents can and do happen, but can be prevented or cushioned in most cases with a brake system in excellent working condition. So when you suspect you have a brake problem, don’t hesitate to bring your car to your mechanic for a brake repair and have it thoroughly checked.