Now that you know the history of brakes and different types of brakes, you might be wondering how the entire brake system works. In this second of a three part series on brakes we try to give some insight this.
Brake systems are what allow people to safely slow down their vehicles. Most of the time, drivers rarely have to deal with brake system failure. Usually, you just need to exchange the occasional brake pad or rotor. However, it is a good idea to know the full extent of your braking system to ensure you are aware when something is wrong with your brakes.
Most modern vehicles use hydraulic systems for braking. The hydraulics are activated once the brake pedal is pressed. Once the pedal is pressed, brake fluid is sent through the brake hose. The hose connects to the caliper, inducing pressure on the caliper’s piston. The caliper squeezes the brake pads on the brake disc, producing friction that causes the vehicle to stop. The same thing happens with drum brakes as well. However, it is the brake shoes that cause the friction to the wheels instead of the brake pads. Both of these brakes rely on the conversion of kinetic energy into heat through friction to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Most brake systems focus on the front wheels of the car, due to the energy from the back wheels being pushed toward the front. As a result, most brakes are focused on the front tires instead of the back tires.
Now that you know the fundamentals of how brake systems work, it is time to go over the warning signs that your brakes are failing. When your brakes fail, it can lead to serious safety issues. Fortunately, your car will give clear signs that there are problems. Signs that your brake system is failing include:
While you are driving, please keep a lookout for these signs so you can get your braking system inspected! If you ever run into brake trouble, you can always visit Mr. Muffler for a full brake inspection to make sure your car is in perfect condition!
Are you hearing a noise when you brake? If you feel vibrating, grinding or pulsing when you press the brake pedal, these may be signs you need a Brake Inspection.
Get your brakes inspected by Mr-Muffler’s highly trained and experienced technicians. When doing an inspection Mr-Muffler will check all brake components;
When inspecting your brake pads, Mr-Muffler will measure and make sure each brake pad applies pressure against the disc or rotor. We will recommend replacement depending on the results of a complete inspection of your brakes, using your vehicles manufacturer’s requirements and actual measurements.
It is imperative that your discs or rotors are not damaged or warped. They are what slows down and stops your vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, the mechanism makes sure your brake pads are pushed onto the discs.
Mr-Muffler will examine your brake lines making sure they are not cracked, corroded and stiff. The lines are rubber and should be soft so fluid can move freely without risk of a leak. The hard metal brake lines are checked for cracking and corrosion. You want to make sure your lines are in good condition. If the brake lines are replaced before they are in major damage condition, it can save your brake system’s key components and you a lot of money.
After your inspection is complete and your brake system is in need of some repair services, Mr. Muffler’s technicians will replace your brake pads, lines and anything else that is necessary for your vehicle’s safe braking.
After the skilled mechanics at Mr. Muffler in Westland Michigan complete your Brake Inspection, we will go over our evaluation with you in detail. We will recommend brake repair based on the condition of your brake components, only if they appear to be in need of any that will impact your vehicle’s performance and affect keeping you safe on the road. Trust Mr-Muffler your local brake repair shop, call us at 734-721-2800 and contact us for more information.