Arguably one of the most important safety features of your car is your brakes. Unfortunately, over time parts of your braking system will wear out and need to be repaired or replaced.
Brake Fluid
Over time brake fluid becomes contaminated with tiny particles of rubber and metal as parts of the system age. This debris can cause damage to essential brake components such as your automatic braking system (ABS) which is not only dangerous but is also expensive to repair. The fluid can also start to break down and is susceptible to moisture in hot and humid conditions, the nice summers we get in Huntington Beach can cause this deterioration. When brake fluid is takes on moisture it can cause the metal parts of your brake to rust.
The frequency you need to change your brake fluid will depend on your vehicle, the number of miles you travel and the general conditions you have driven in. The best thing is to have it checked with every oil service, your service technician will let you know if it needs to be changed.
Brake Pads
Most cars now use Disc brakes. This system has a disc (known as a rotor) in the wheel which turns as the wheels rotate, either side of the disc are the brake pads. As you press the brake pedal the pads are pushed against the disc causing friction which slows the wheel and causes the car to stop. These pads wear down over time and need to be replaced, most cars now have sensors in the pads so you will get a warning light on your dashboard to let you know when the pads need to be changed.
There are many different pads available so it is essential to make sure you have the right pads for your vehicle. There are also different materials used to produce the pads, while they may all stop the vehicle, the difference between acceptable and good pads can be a reduction of stopping distance by 20 feet!
Rotors
Like the pads the rotors will also deteriorate over time due to the friction that they endure stopping the vehicle. Over time the rotors can become warped or develop scratches or grooves in them, any of these will reduce the amount of friction being applied when the brake pedal is pressed which leads to slower speed reductions and extended stopping distances, reducing the safety of your vehicle.
How do you know if your brakes are wearing out?
There are lots of signs that are easy to spot that should alert you that your brakes may need repair or replacement;
- You can hear a grinding or squealing noise when you apply the brake.
- When you apply the brake your vehicle pulls to one side.
- The brake pedal feels spongy when you press on it.
- The brakes do not respond immediately when you press the pedal.
- You are having to press harder on the brake pedal for the car to slow.
- You are not stopping as quickly as you used to.
- You can feel a shaking coming through the steering wheel.
- The car feels shaky when driven at high speeds.
- And finally, the warning light on your dashboard comes on!
Brake Repair at Expertec Automotive in Huntington Beach
Your safety is our number one priority, our AAA certified technicians will conduct a through inspection so your brake system and repair or replace any part which is impeding your safety. With a full inventory of high-quality replacement parts and access to manufacturer original equipment we can perform your brake service quickly to the highest possible standard.
If you have noticed any of the warning signs above or just haven’t had your brakes serviced for a while and want peace of mind call us today at (714) 848-9222 to schedule an appointment.
