Tag Archives: Brake System Maintenance

Are You Sure You Can Depend On Your Brakes This Winter?

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Snow and ice are here and will be a problem on the roads for the next few months. In order to assure safe winter driving, it is essential to make sure your brakes are in optimal condition and proper working order.

winter snow on road stop sign

The brake system on your vehicle is extremely complex, consisting of numerous integrated components that deteriorate over time. Drivers must always be on the lookout for signs of potential brake issues. Brake problem warning signs can lead to expensive problems if ignored. More importantly, your safety and the safety of others could be in danger if your brakes fail. Pay attention to these common warning signs of brake problems:

Six Common Brake Problem Warning Signs

  1. Strange Noises

Hearing strange noises when you stop your vehicle? Your brake pads may have an excessive amount of wear if you hear a high, screeching sound when you apply the brakes.

  1. Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If your vehicle swerves to one side as you apply the brakes, the brake lining may be worn unevenly or brake fluid may be compromised.

  1. Brake Pedal Feels Odd or Spongy

Does it might feel spongy or does your foot sink to the floor when you hit the brake pedal? You may have a leak in the braking system, such as an air leak in the brake hose or a brake fluid leak. A brake pedal that feels stiff or is difficult to press may be a sign that there is a blockage in the brake line or an issue in the vacuum system.

  1. Too Much Vibration When Braking

Excessive vibration in your brake pedal may be a sign of trouble. This will feel similar to the vibration you feel when the anti-lock brakes feature engages. This vibration or pulsating can be a sign of warped rotors.

  1. Jerking Sensation As Brakes are Applied

If you experience a grabbing or jerking feeling when applying the brakes, it could be a sign that the rotor is unevenly worn or that the brake fluid is contaminated.

  1. Brake System Service Light Activates

Your vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system, if any problems are detected, will light up the brake system service light on your vehicle’s dashboard. It might also come on even when there is no problem, because you see the brake service light up. It’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected if your service light comes on.

brake service brake disc

Don’t Take Chances With Vehicle Safety

Winter road conditions bring enough driving challenges. Don’t take chances by ignoring the signs of brake problems. Have your vehicle inspected right away if you notice any of the common indicators of brake trouble.

Understanding The Importance of Brake Maintenance

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The Importance of Brake Maintenance  – Part One

We all know how important our brakes are to ensuring our safety on the road. What we might not keep in mind is the importance of brake maintenance. Drivers should have a basic understanding of their vehicle’s brake system and the brake maintenance our vehicles need. This two part post will give you a simple overview of how brakes work and what services they require.

Importance of Brake Maintenance

Types of Brake Systems and How They Work

There are three basic types of brakes: anti-lock brakes, emergency brakes, and service brakes. 

Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) are a safety feature included in most newer vehicles. This computer-controlled technology works with a vehicle braking system to decrease stopping distance and also increase control and stability. ABS monitors the speed of each wheel and automatically pulses the brake pressure. When hard and sudden braking occurs, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up, and keeps the tires from going into a skid. 

Emergency or Parking Brakes function apart from the service brakes and are typically non-hydraulic, using cables to mechanically apply the braking function. How emergency brakes are applied can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Some emergency brake systems are operated using a stick lever, some with a floor pedal, and some feature a button or handle near the steering column.

Service Brakes refers to the overall brake system used to decrease speed and bring the vehicle to a stop. In most cases, service brakes include a four-wheel disc or a combination of disc on front and drums on the back wheels. They are activated when the brake pedal is pressed, distributing hydraulic force to all wheels. Front brakes provide more force than the rear brakes for stopping the vehicle since braking propels the weight of the vehicle forward onto the front wheels.

Disc brakes use calipers, brake rotors, and brake pads. Each disc brake has a brake pad on both sides that push against the brake rotor when pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Drum brakes are enclosed within the wheel cylinder and have brake shoes that press out against the drum when pressure is applied to the brake pedal. 

In part two of this series, we will take a look at brake maintenance and signs of brake problems.