We all know how necessary brakes are to our cars. They allow us to stop quickly and safely; driving would be incredibly dangerous without them. That's why it's important to ensure that your brakes are always in good working order.
One of the best ways to keep your brakes in good condition is to practice preventative maintenance. Regularly inspecting and servicing your brakes by a professional brake repair shop in Bixby can catch potential problems before they become serious – and expensive – issues.
In this post, we'll look at ways that preventative brake maintenance can help keep your car safe.
The Basics of Brakes
The brakes are the most crucial safety system in any car and come in four varieties:
Disc brakes create friction by using calipers to squeeze pads against a disc or rotor, slows your wheel's rotation, and eventually stops it.
Drum brakes work by pressing two brake shoes against a drum attached to the wheel, slowing or stopping the wheel's movement.
Unlike disc or drum brakes, emergency brakes are responsible for keeping a vehicle stationary when parked. Also called parking brakes, they use mechanical pressure to hold the wheels. You can also use these brakes in an emergency if your drum brakes suddenly fail.
Antilock brakes in most newer vehicles stop your wheels from locking up on slippery roads and prevent skidding.
Warning Signs That Your Brakes Need Service
If you experience any warning signs, inspect your brakes immediately. Unchecked, the issue could worsen where your brakes no longer work.
The brakes feel weak or unreliable.
The brake pedal or lever feels spongy or low.
The vehicle pulls to one side while braking.
The brakes make noises such as squealing, grinding, or growling.
The brake dashboard light is on.
It smells like something is burning.
The steering wheel shakes when you brake.
Maintaining Your Brakes
Preventative brake maintenance from brake repair near me is vital to keeping your vehicle safe. Here are some tips on how to keep your brakes in good condition:
Inspect Brake Pads and Rotors
The brake pads and rotors in your car's braking system experience the most wear due to friction. To guarantee that your automobile stops safely, the pads' depth and quality must be assessed to ensure they provide enough resistance. The rotors should also be checked for any cracks or warping that may have occurred. The professional brake pad repair shop will know how to assess your brake system properly. So, your best bet is to get it checked regularly.
Cleaning Your Brake Fluid
When you press down on the brake pedal, pressure is built up in the brake fluid from the master cylinders. This pressure then travels through the brake lines into the calipers. After that, the brake pads and rotors are subjected to pressure. This can attract moisture that can lead to corrosion and decreased braking power. To keep your car running smoothly, check the brake fluid levels every 25,000 miles and change it if it's cloudy or milky at an auto repair shop.
Brake Lines
The brake lines carry the pressurized fluid from the master cylinders to the calipers. Over time, they can develop leaks or cracks that can decrease your braking power and cause your brake pedal to feel spongy. To avoid this, inspect the lines regularly for leaks or damage.
Replace the Car's Braking Components
Brake components wear down with time and must be replaced to keep your system functioning properly. You may also want to upgrade to a higher grade or more specialized parts at that time. You may also replace your brake pads with ceramic brakes, which generate less dust and are quieter. These modifications and improvements can extend the life of your braking system while improving its performance.
Read here to learn how frequently you should get your brake services.
Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your brakes in good condition and ensuring safety on the road. Inspect your brakes regularly with a professional auto repair shop and replace any worn parts as soon as possible. Upgrading to higher quality or more specialized components can improve your braking system's performance. With proper care, your brakes will last longer and perform better.
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