Are you sure your car is going to stop when you press the brake pedal?
When you're driving along the highway on a sunny day with your windows down and your radio volume up, it's easy to forget that you're in a massive chunk of steel and glass hurtling through space at 60-plus miles per hour. At that speed, if you suddenly needed to stop, your vehicle could take approximately the length of a football field (100 yards) to come to a standstill. A well-maintained Brake System protects the vehicle, driver, passengers and others sharing the road. Most would agree that brakes are the most important feature of your car—but do you know how to detect when there’s a problem with your brakes, or what maintenance checks you can do on your brake system?
When you're driving along the highway on a sunny day with your windows down and your radio volume up, it's easy to forget that you're in a massive chunk of steel and glass hurtling through space at 60-plus miles per hour. At that speed, if you suddenly needed to stop, your vehicle could take approximately the length of a football field (100 yards) to come to a standstill. A well-maintained Brake System protects the vehicle, driver, passengers and others sharing the road. Most would agree that brakes are the most important feature of your car—but do you know how to detect when there’s a problem with your brakes, or what maintenance checks you can do on your brake system?
1) A few words on how your brakes work
The modern automotive brake system has been refined for over 100 years and has become extremely dependable and efficient. The typical brake system consists of disk brakes in front and either disk or drum brakes in the rear connected by a system of tubes and hoses that link the brake at each wheel to the
master cylinder. Other systems that are connected with the brake system include the parking brakes, power brake booster and the anti-lock system.
When you step on the brake pedal, you are actually pushing against a plunger in the master cylinder, which
forces hydraulic oil (brake fluid) through a series of tubes and hoses to the braking unit at each wheel. Since hydraulic fluid (or any fluid for that matter) cannot be compressed, pushing fluid through a pipe is just like pushing a steel
bar through a pipe. Unlike a steel bar, however, fluid can be directed through many twists and turns on its way to its destination, arriving with the exact same motion and pressure that it started with. It is very important that the fluid is pure liquid and that there are no air bubbles in it. Air can compress, which causes a sponginess to the pedal and severely reduced braking efficiency. On a disk brake, the fluid from the master cylinder is forced into a caliper where it presses against a piston. The piston, in-turn, squeezes two brake pads against the disk (rotor), which is attached to the wheel,
forcing it to slow down or stop. This process is similar to a bicycle brake where two rubber pads rub against the wheel rim creating friction. With drum brakes, fluid is forced into the wheel cylinder, which pushes the brake shoes out so that the friction linings are pressed against the drum, which is attached to the wheel, causing the wheel to
stop. In either case, the friction surfaces of the pads on a disk brake system, or the shoes on a drum brake convert the forward motion of the vehicle into heat. Heat is what causes the friction surfaces (linings) of the pads and shoes to eventually wear out and require replacement.
The modern automotive brake system has been refined for over 100 years and has become extremely dependable and efficient. The typical brake system consists of disk brakes in front and either disk or drum brakes in the rear connected by a system of tubes and hoses that link the brake at each wheel to the
master cylinder. Other systems that are connected with the brake system include the parking brakes, power brake booster and the anti-lock system.
When you step on the brake pedal, you are actually pushing against a plunger in the master cylinder, which
forces hydraulic oil (brake fluid) through a series of tubes and hoses to the braking unit at each wheel. Since hydraulic fluid (or any fluid for that matter) cannot be compressed, pushing fluid through a pipe is just like pushing a steel
bar through a pipe. Unlike a steel bar, however, fluid can be directed through many twists and turns on its way to its destination, arriving with the exact same motion and pressure that it started with. It is very important that the fluid is pure liquid and that there are no air bubbles in it. Air can compress, which causes a sponginess to the pedal and severely reduced braking efficiency. On a disk brake, the fluid from the master cylinder is forced into a caliper where it presses against a piston. The piston, in-turn, squeezes two brake pads against the disk (rotor), which is attached to the wheel,
forcing it to slow down or stop. This process is similar to a bicycle brake where two rubber pads rub against the wheel rim creating friction. With drum brakes, fluid is forced into the wheel cylinder, which pushes the brake shoes out so that the friction linings are pressed against the drum, which is attached to the wheel, causing the wheel to
stop. In either case, the friction surfaces of the pads on a disk brake system, or the shoes on a drum brake convert the forward motion of the vehicle into heat. Heat is what causes the friction surfaces (linings) of the pads and shoes to eventually wear out and require replacement.
2) How to detect when there’s a problem with your brakes
The most important maintenance checks you can do are free and involve using your senses: listening for strange
noises, sensing a difference in the way your vehicle handles, checking the color of your brake fluid, watching for warning lights or even noticing unusual odors. You can detect most problems early and avoid major expense just by using your 5 senses.
The most important maintenance checks you can do are free and involve using your senses: listening for strange
noises, sensing a difference in the way your vehicle handles, checking the color of your brake fluid, watching for warning lights or even noticing unusual odors. You can detect most problems early and avoid major expense just by using your 5 senses.
- Unusual Noises
If you hear your brakes squeal or make a grinding noise when you use them, it’s a sign that they may need adjustment or replacement. Grinding noises are particularly serious, as they indicate that your brake pads are worn may need to be replaced. Conditions that can contribute to a disc brake noise problem include glazed or worn rotors, too rough a finish on resurfaced rotors, loose brake pads, missing pad insulators, shims, springs or antirattle clips, rusty or corroded caliper mounts, worn caliper mounts, and loose caliper mounting hardware. Some brake pads have built-in "wear sensors" that produce a scraping or squealing noise when the pads become worn. In any event, noisy brakes should always be inspected to determine whether or not there's a problem. And don't delay!
- Color and clarity of your brake fluid
If the brake fluid is not inspected regularly for changes in color, you could miss an early warning sign of a brake malfunction. You also need to keep a close eye on brake fluid because it is hydroscopic in nature, meaning it absorbs moisture, which reduces the effectiveness of the fluid leading to premature brake failure.
(Left) New Fluid (Right) Old Dirty Fluid
Normally, brake fluid is light brown. If the fluid looks dark or black, it may need to be replaced but further testing is needed. As brake fluid ages, its corrosion inhibitors break down. Test strips check the presence of copper in the brake fluid; the higher the level, the more worn out the inhibitors are. Brake fluid over time absorbs moisture from its surroundings. Moisture dilutes and weakens the effectiveness of brake fluid, which leads to braking systems components to corrode. In 18 months, brake fluid can have up to 3 percent water, which can lower its boiling point from 40 to 50 percent
3. Brake Warning Lights
If the brake or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) warning light on your dashboard lights up, it means you may be
running on low brake fluid, usually low fluid means that there’s a leak somewhere in your brake lines.
4. Pulling
If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could mean your brakes are maladjusted, there is
contamination on the braking surface, there is brake fluid leakage, or your brakes are worn out and need to be
replaced. To rule out the brakes inspect the tires for tire pressure, even tire wear, and overall condition.
5. Pedal Problems
If your brake pedal feels “spongy" or hard to press down, it usually means that air has gotten into the brake
lines. You may also be having an issue with low brake fluid. Be sure to have your mechanic check your master
cylinder and your brake lines.
6. Bad Vibrations
If your steering wheel, brake pedal or entire car shakes or vibrates when you apply the brakes, the problem that
you are experiencing is likely due to you having bad brake pads and worn or warped brake rotors. Besides the
shaking that you are experiencing, you are putting yourself and other drivers in harms way because the chances
of the brake system on your car failing is much higher. The average life of brake rotors has nothing to do with
your individual driving habits. To rule out your brakes check for tire wear, wheel balance, and alignment.
7. Smells of Burning Carpet
Over-heated brake pads will produce a burning carpet smell, and usually means that you are overusing the
brakes-or driving without releasing the hand brake. If you notice this smell, you might need to have your brake
pads inspected by your mechanic; it could be that your brake caliper piston is causing your brakes to drag and
overheat.
3) OK, there may a problem with my brakes, now what?
Your car started creating abnormal sounds, feelings or smells, and if you don’t get your brakes fixed, then first you wear down the things squealing that are telling you that your brakes are toast. Then you will be out of brake pad and will only stop by your brake system pressing the metal backing plate on a metal brake rotor. If you continue to ignore the problem, you will continue to burn through your brake rotor down to its ventilating fins. It will sound, feel and perform terribly. When you finally fix the problem, it will cost significantly more as you will have destroyed several parts, it will cost you 4 to 5 times as much to fix. If you don't get it fixed you will likely end up in a bad accident which is a whole other cost.
American Auto Air Services:
1) Brake Inspection - For routine maintenance, it's important to check the vehicle's braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid condition & level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.
2) Brake Fluid Flush - A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes flushed about every 24,000 miles. Parts, like the rubber in the valves in the master cylinder, calipers and wheel cylinders deteriorate. All the nasty little bits that flake off end up in your brake fluid. Plus, the fluid itself can get old and worn out. Moisture can also get in the system. That leads
to rust, which leads to more nasty bits in your brake fluid. All this adds up to a brake system with compromised effectiveness and decreased stopping power. A brake system flush includes removing the existing fluid and moisture out of the system and replacing it with new, clean, fluid. A brake fluid flush ensures proper brake system performance
and increases the lifespan of your brake system components.
3) Brake Service - Our basic Brake Service includes a thorough brake system evaluation, brake pad or brake shoe replacement, and resurfacing of drums or rotors on the serviced axle(s) performed by our professional technicians. If you are experiencing any abnormal sounds, feelings or smells all symptoms of brake damage or wear bring it in as soon as possible. Should you need extensive work we can do that as well. We will never recommend any parts or services that you don’t need, if we do recommend additional services we will give you the options and likely outcomes of having
the work done or not.
3. Brake Warning Lights
If the brake or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) warning light on your dashboard lights up, it means you may be
running on low brake fluid, usually low fluid means that there’s a leak somewhere in your brake lines.
4. Pulling
If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could mean your brakes are maladjusted, there is
contamination on the braking surface, there is brake fluid leakage, or your brakes are worn out and need to be
replaced. To rule out the brakes inspect the tires for tire pressure, even tire wear, and overall condition.
5. Pedal Problems
If your brake pedal feels “spongy" or hard to press down, it usually means that air has gotten into the brake
lines. You may also be having an issue with low brake fluid. Be sure to have your mechanic check your master
cylinder and your brake lines.
6. Bad Vibrations
If your steering wheel, brake pedal or entire car shakes or vibrates when you apply the brakes, the problem that
you are experiencing is likely due to you having bad brake pads and worn or warped brake rotors. Besides the
shaking that you are experiencing, you are putting yourself and other drivers in harms way because the chances
of the brake system on your car failing is much higher. The average life of brake rotors has nothing to do with
your individual driving habits. To rule out your brakes check for tire wear, wheel balance, and alignment.
7. Smells of Burning Carpet
Over-heated brake pads will produce a burning carpet smell, and usually means that you are overusing the
brakes-or driving without releasing the hand brake. If you notice this smell, you might need to have your brake
pads inspected by your mechanic; it could be that your brake caliper piston is causing your brakes to drag and
overheat.
3) OK, there may a problem with my brakes, now what?
Your car started creating abnormal sounds, feelings or smells, and if you don’t get your brakes fixed, then first you wear down the things squealing that are telling you that your brakes are toast. Then you will be out of brake pad and will only stop by your brake system pressing the metal backing plate on a metal brake rotor. If you continue to ignore the problem, you will continue to burn through your brake rotor down to its ventilating fins. It will sound, feel and perform terribly. When you finally fix the problem, it will cost significantly more as you will have destroyed several parts, it will cost you 4 to 5 times as much to fix. If you don't get it fixed you will likely end up in a bad accident which is a whole other cost.
American Auto Air Services:
1) Brake Inspection - For routine maintenance, it's important to check the vehicle's braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid condition & level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.
2) Brake Fluid Flush - A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes flushed about every 24,000 miles. Parts, like the rubber in the valves in the master cylinder, calipers and wheel cylinders deteriorate. All the nasty little bits that flake off end up in your brake fluid. Plus, the fluid itself can get old and worn out. Moisture can also get in the system. That leads
to rust, which leads to more nasty bits in your brake fluid. All this adds up to a brake system with compromised effectiveness and decreased stopping power. A brake system flush includes removing the existing fluid and moisture out of the system and replacing it with new, clean, fluid. A brake fluid flush ensures proper brake system performance
and increases the lifespan of your brake system components.
3) Brake Service - Our basic Brake Service includes a thorough brake system evaluation, brake pad or brake shoe replacement, and resurfacing of drums or rotors on the serviced axle(s) performed by our professional technicians. If you are experiencing any abnormal sounds, feelings or smells all symptoms of brake damage or wear bring it in as soon as possible. Should you need extensive work we can do that as well. We will never recommend any parts or services that you don’t need, if we do recommend additional services we will give you the options and likely outcomes of having
the work done or not.