Imagine driving on a dark country road at dusk and as you round a corner at a good speed, a deer suddenly darts out in front of your vehicle. It’s those moments when you appreciate having well-functioning brakes. Your brakes are a critical safety function of your vehicle and should always be kept in proper working order. This is especially important since your brakes are subject to heat, motion, and the elements that can easily wear them down over time.
In this month’s blog, we review the braking system in your vehicle and the typical problems that you may encounter when your brakes are not performing effectively due to damage, wear, and tear.
Brakes 101
When you are driving and depress the brake pedal, the pressure from your foot sets off many functions that control the slowing down and ultimate stopping of your vehicle.
- The braking system starts with the brake pedal. When the driver depresses the brake pedal, this initiates the brake fluid in the lines to engage the other brake parts through hydraulic force.
- The increased pressure of the brake fluid in the brake lines transfer power to the calipers, and then ultimately push the brake pads against the spinning rotor, slowing or stopping the vehicle motion.
The key components of the braking system include the following:
- Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is how the braking process begins.
- Brake Fluid: The liquid chemical that is used in the brake lines to provide force to the brake parts when pushed through the lines.
- Calipers: A type of clamp or bracket that supports the brake pads on either side of the brake rotor.
- Brake Pads: The brake pads sit on either side of the rotor and have a friction material that when pressed against the spinning rotor, will slow, or stop the vehicle.
- Brake Rotor: The rotors are metallic discs that are attached to the wheel and rotate with it during motion.
- Brake Drums: Some vehicles may have rear wheel braking components that use springs to trigger the brake pads.
Braking System Problems
The braking system is subjected to wear and tear because of heavy braking and overuse. Below are some of the more common problems you may experience with your braking system.
| Component | Problem | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Fluid | Leaks or compromised fluid | - Evidence of leaks beneath the vehicle - Soft or spongy feeling when depressing the brake pedal - Warning lights on dashboard |
| Caliper | Wear and tear, especially when rotors are worn or damaged | - Brake pads may have uneven wear - Brake fluid leaks - Vehicle pulls to right or left when depressing the brake pedal |
| Brake Pads | Wear and tear, and accumulation of road dirt and dust | - Unusual sounds when braking, such as squeals or screeches - Grinding sound when braking |
| Rotor | Wear and tear, and damage reflected by grooves in the metal discs | - When braking, you feel a vibration, shuddering, or other sounds |
| Brake Drum | Wear and tear, accumulation of dirt and dust | - Feeling of vibrations or shuddering during the braking process |
Braking System Maintenance
Keeping your brakes in good working order requires a balance of better driving habits, and some routine tasks that can be handled by a service professional at Shade Tree Garage.
Driving Habits:
- Try to stay away from always “riding” the brake pedal
- Maintain better speed and braking by removing your foot from the gas pedal to slow down rather than slamming on the brakes to make sudden stops
- Minimize pulling or carrying heavy loads
- Maintain speed limits in city and highway driving
Typical Maintenance:
- Inspection of rotors and brake pads for wear and tear, or damage
- Flush and replacement of brake fluid
- Brake line bleeds to remove air
If you have concerns about your brakes, contact the service professionals at Shade Tree Garage today to schedule an appointment. We will look over your brake system and provide you with any guidance on possible repairs or replacement.