Brakes are the single most important safety feature of your vehicle. Whether slowing down to a stop or braking suddenly to avoid a collision, you must be able to trust that your brakes will work immediately in any situation. If you are not confident in your vehicle's ability to brake firm and straight then it is time for brake service.
At Begley Auto Repair we are concerned about the safety of our customers. We do not want you to experience a scary brake failure while you are driving. Maintaining your brakes is an important step to maintaining your car as a whole and finding the right auto maintenance shop to help keep you on track is essential. If you are not quite sure when the time might be right to have your brakes inspected then let us help you identify some of the signs.
Brake System 101:
Disc Brakes
Disc brakes consist of a disc brake rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and a caliper, which holds the disc brake pads. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes the caliper piston to clamp the disc brake rotor between the disc brake pads. The creates friction between the pads and rotor causing your car to slow down or stop.
Components:
Disc brake rotors and pads
Calipers and hardware
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes consist of a brake drum attached to the wheel, a wheel cylinder, brake shoes, and brake return springs. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes the wheel cylinder to press the brake shoes against the brake drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or stop your car.
Components:
Brake drums and shoes
Wheel cylinders
Brake return springs
Anti-Lock Brakes
Computer-controlled anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a fairly recently developed safety feature. When sudden stops are made the ABS prevents wheel lockup. The system is comprised of wheel-speed sensors that monitor wheel rotation, computer-controlled hydraulics that pulse the brakes on and off rapidly, and the on-board computer.