Brake Repair
caliper and brake pads.
At Tires Tires Tires, we think it’s more important to be able to stop than it is to get going. Luckily your car brakes are well-designed to get the job done.
Brakes are a hydraulic system. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, it transfers that pressure by way of the brake fluid to each of the brakes. If you discover that your brake pedal goes to the floor, it’s usually a hydraulic problem.
In order to help you make faster, safer stops. Computerized systems have been added to most vehicles that prevent you from “locking” the brakes and going into a skid. These ABS (anti-lock brake systems) computers will “pump” the brakes for you, applying as much pressure as possible without causing a skid.
Disc brakes have become the standard for most vehicles today because of their efficiency. The system consists of a large metal rotor (the disc) attached to the wheel. Many of today’s spoked wheels allow you to see the shiny, bright rotor disc between the spokes.
The second main part of the system is a caliper. It is attached to the axle and doesn’t spin. The calipers hold the brake pads and when you step on the brake pedal the pads are squeezed against the rotor to slow you down. It’s really not that different from the hand brakes on a bicycle.
Brake repair or brake service usually consists of replacing the brake pads, smoothing out any imperfections in the rotor and of making sure the hydraulic system is functioning properly. You may hear the phrase “brake rotors pads” used to describe brake service.
Brake pads, by the way, are not soft, but are made of hard ceramic composite materials that are designed to grip the rotor as pressure is applied. The material wears away slowly, but it does wear down and needs to be replaced when it does.
Manufacturers add special “warning” layers of composites. These layers make a grinding noise when you reach them and are meant to warn you that the life of the pad is near its end. Like all warnings, if you ignore it, you face a much bigger repair bill or possibly the loss of stopping power.
At Tires Tires Tires, our brake experts know all the intimate details of the brakes on your vehicle and can stop you on a dime. If you need brake service or brake repair, bring your vehicle to our brake shop so we can save you money.
