subject: Having Brake Maintenance Done To Increase Safety [print this page] Arguably one of the most important systems in a vehicle in terms of safety and the lives of those around you, the brakes consist of many different parts, all of which should be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Having your brakes become unresponsive while driving is a very terrifying experience and requires quick adaptation to prevent any form of accident. Because so many things can go wrong you need to be able to figure out what systems still work and how they can be used. In such a case it's highly recommended that when you get the car to stop you don't start going again, but rather call a tow truck or AAA to come and pick you up, lest you wind up in an accident.
How Your Brakes Work
To be able to adapt to a brake malfunction or to know when you need to get them inspected it's important to know how your brakes work. Most people don't consider this, merely leaving it as that pedal you step on to stop. When you step on that pedal, however, it pressurizes a master cylinder in your engine, which in turn applies pressure to hydraulic pistons located at each tire of the car. The fluid pressure in these pistons pushes the brake pads together against the rotor, which creates friction. The friction then slows the tires and, with the tires stopping, the entire vehicle stops as well. You can see how there are several places for things to go wrong between when the foot is applied to when the vehicle stops.
Common Brake Problems
There are three main problems that occur more frequently than others in terms of brakes, and they each feel different, which help to identify the issues. First and foremost the brake fluid used to apply pressure to the hydraulic pistons can leak, meaning there's nothing to apply the brake pads to the tire. This can usually be identified when the brake pedal has to be applied with increasing pressure to get any response. Secondly the brake pads themselves can wear out, requiring a replacement to be added. This can be identified by applied brakes taking much longer than normal to respond. Finally the treads of the tires themselves can be worn off. While not an inherent issue to the break system, this makes the tires more slippery and causes less traction, meaning the vehicle can slide further before stopping.
Brake Services
Most general auto repair shops offer brake repair. It's not something that should be done as a home job unless you're specifically trained in it, even something that seems as simple as changing the brake fluids. Because this is such a crucial part to the vehicle and road safety it's important that trained professionals such as ASE master technicians handle this job and make sure it's done right. It might be costly to get replacements or repairs done, however when your vehicle is stopping smoothly for you that money is well spent.
