Your car’s brakes are one of its most important safety features. As such, it is essential to stay on top of your brake maintenance and repair. Luckily, most brake problems are easy to fix with regular inspections and routine service.
In general, your vehicle’s brakes require routine replacement and repair as they wear down. Your owner’s manual should provide a recommended brake maintenance schedule, but this can vary depending on the driving conditions and habits of the driver.
The most common signs that your brakes need repair are a grinding noise when you press down on the pedal and low brake fluid levels. These issues can lead to a loss of braking pressure and damage other components like the rotors and discs. If left unchecked, these issues could create dangerous driving conditions for you and your passengers.
Brake repair usually involves flushing the old brake fluid, replacing pads, resurfacing or replacing rotors, and adjusting braking mechanisms. The mechanic will also check the master cylinder and the brake lines that move the brake fluid from the reservoir to each wheel. If your vehicle has anti-lock braking system ABS sensors, the technician will run a diagnostic test to make sure they are in working order.
While it’s possible to replace your own brake repair and service pads, most people prefer to have a professional mechanic do this work. This is because the job requires disassembly of some components and specialized equipment that most casual garages do not have. Furthermore, a professional can ensure that the brakes are properly balanced and that all parts are in good condition, such as the calipers and pistons.
If your car shakes or shudders when you press down on the brakes, this may be a sign that the rotors are warped or damaged. These are the large, shiny disks that your brake pads clamp down on. It is important to get the rotors repaired or replaced as soon as you notice this issue, as it can cause the whole vehicle to shake.
You should always listen to your vehicle’s built-in warning signals, such as the brake light. If you ignore this signal, you could end up with a much more expensive and complicated brake repair problem down the road.
If you hear a squeal when your car is braking, this is a sure sign that the pads are wearing out and need to be replaced. It can also indicate that the rotors are dirty or that the calipers need to be cleaned or adjusted.
Your brakes consist of a smooth steel disc called the rotor, which is bolted to the wheels, and heavy calipers that squeeze the pads against the rotor using hydraulic pressure when you apply the brakes. The friction between the pad and rotor slows or stops the car. The rotors are typically made of cast iron, steel-lined aluminum, or ceramic. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they all wear down over time and will need to be replaced.
