brake repairs

 

Brake repairs are always needed, but do you know how often? You may have an idea, but a lot happens when you press down on the brake pedal. When you hit the brake, the cylinder supplies with brake fluid to the calipers, that help power the brake pads.

Brakes are the most important safety feature of a vehicle. To know the types of brakes within vehicles and between, helps a person feel better informed when repairing the brake.

There are four types of brakes,

1. Disc Brake

It consists of a brake rotor that’s connected to the wheel. The master cylinder releases the Hydraulic pressure that causes a caliper to congest brake pads. The friction caused by the rotor and the pads causes a vehicle to slow down and stop.

2. Drum Brakes

Once the brake pedal contracts, the hydraulic pressure presses the two brakes against the brakes drum. This creates friction and causes a vehicle to stop.

3. Emergency Brakes

Also known as the parking brake is the secondary braking system and works independently.

4. Anti-Lock Brakes

These are found on newer vehicles mostly. This feature is useful, especially when driving on slippery or wet roads.

REGULAR BRAKE INSPECTION

The entire brake system is checked during a brake inspection, which includes the brake fluid, brake pedal, brake hoses, and lines.

Behind each wheel is an intricate brake system that needs to work properly for you to stop your vehicle safely.

As part of every brake inspection, the following things are checked,

  • Calipers
  • Pads
  • Rotors
  • Hardware
  • Wheel cylinders
  • Parking brake cables
  • Hoses
  • Master cylinder fluid exchange.

Brake Repairs and when they need to be Inspected

Your brakes can last anywhere from 40,000 to 80,000 miles based on the type of pads and how hard you drive your vehicle. To check the lifespan of your brakes, regular inspections are required since it is easy to forget the last time you got the pads replaced. To know the signs of braking issues or brake wear is equally important to know how many miles you have left on the current set.

 

WHAT ARE BRAKE PADS MADE OF?

Brake pads use a variety of materials and compounds that fall into three groups

  • Organic or semi-organic
  • Metallic or semi-metallic
  • Ceramic brake pads

 

Ceramic pads are designed to function with carbon discs. They are made of ceramic fibers, bonding agents, and copper. They cost a lot but are pretty long lasting and best when the operating temperature.

 

BOTTOM LINE

Now that you know what the brakes are made of, time for you to hire a professional to check your brake pads for you! Carlson Auto provides you with both experience and expertise to help you keep your vehicle’s brake functional. And, you can acquire these services right here in Cottage Grove and Maplewood, MN. Don’t keep your vehicle waiting!