Keeping your vehicle’s braking system in top shape is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. A well-maintained braking system can help you avoid accidents and save lives. In this month’s blog post, we discuss the importance of keeping your braking system in top shape, the seven most common problems with brakes, their symptoms, and how each one is repaired. We also describe what is involved in a brake job to inspect and repair any braking issues.
Why is it important to maintain your brakes?
Your vehicle’s braking system is one of the most important safety systems in the vehicle. Winter driving poses many hazards, including wet and icy roads, and so braking power is vital. It is important to keep your brakes in top shape to ensure that they are working properly when you need them the most.
Seven Common Brake Problems
- Worn brake pads: Symptoms include a squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes. The brake pads need to be replaced.
- Warped rotors: Symptoms include a pulsating brake pedal or steering wheel when you apply the brakes. The rotors need to be resurfaced or replaced.
- Sticking calipers: Symptoms include a burning smell or uneven brake pad wear. The calipers need to be replaced.
- Leaking brake fluid: Symptoms include a soft or spongy brake pedal. The brake lines or master cylinder need to be replaced.
- Worn brake shoes: Symptoms include a grinding noise when you apply the brakes. The brake shoes need to be replaced.
- Worn wheel bearings: Symptoms include a humming or grinding noise when you drive. The wheel bearings need to be replaced.
- Brake booster failure: Symptoms include a hard brake pedal or no brakes at all. The brake booster needs to be replaced.
What is involved in a brake job?
A complete brake job includes inspecting the entire brake system to determine the condition of all its major components. This includes the brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, and master cylinder.
The brake pads and rotors should be replaced if they are worn beyond the manufacturer’s specifications. The calipers should be replaced if they are sticking or leaking. The brake lines and master cylinder should be replaced if they are leaking or damaged.
The brake system should be flushed and refilled with fresh brake fluid. A complete brake job will ensure that your braking system is working properly and will help you avoid accidents and save lives.
Keeping your vehicle’s braking system in top shape is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular maintenance of your braking system will ensure that it is working properly when you need it the most. Remember, a well-maintained braking system can help you avoid accidents and save lives. If you would like your brakes to be checked, contact a service professional at Colonial Service Station to schedule an appointment.