It would be a perfect world if our cars and trucks never required routine maintenance and upkeep; unfortunately, this is not the world we live in. Our vehicles require a certain level of care to preserve and sustain its appearance, well-being, and performance values. Routine maintenance services such as windshield wiper blade replacements, radiator flushes, tire rotations, oil changes, and more are pertinent to overall vehicle preservation and care. So what does this have to do with car brake repair? The answer is everything. Just like the rest of your car, brakes need special attention as well; and neglecting these areas of said attention can cause extra damages to a vehicle. When you start to notice signs of brake deterioration, complications, or damage, consult a professional automotive technician for a brake inspection before snowfall begins. Until then, continue reading and learn some identifiable signs and indications that suggest your car brakes need some work.
Car Brake Repair or Replacement
To understand how to identify or look out for brake problems in your vehicle, first it is helpful to understand the basic components of a car brake system. There are four general parts; the hydraulic clamp, brake fluid line, brake pads, and brake rotors. Some may argue that brake pads and rotors are actually part of the wheel; but in this case, we will still include them because they can influence the need for brake repair. In most cases, the brake lines and hydraulic clamp will not experience much wear and tear; they are built to last a long time. On the other hand, brake pads and rotors are susceptible to wear and tear at all times and will need replacing every few thousand miles or so.
They are exposed to deterioration every time you drive because the pad presses against the smooth metal rotor every time the brake is applied. Over time, this pad is worn down and will make a recognizable noise to warn you that they are low. Brake pads whine or hiss when they get low. The noise is actually the result of the bare pad scraping against the metal rotor (the metal disk that spins on the wheel) and causing friction between them. It can start out as a faint squeak, and turn into a high-pitched squeal if neglected. If you hear grinding then the pad is most likely worn completely thin and is grinding against the rotor. This can really damage the brake rotors. The thickness of the brake padding, the amount of driving you do, and the way you drive all influence the amount of times you will need to replace them.
It is important to have your car brakes and braking system inspected by a licensed auto mechanic regularly or when indicated on your car’s owner manual. Brake pad replacements, smooth driving, and regular inspections can all prevent accidents from happening on the road from failed brakes. Catch a brake problem early on and avoid an expensive car brake repair need.