Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. That’s why it’s so important to keep them in good condition by regularly checking and servicing them. A brake problem can cause a serious accident, so it’s always best to be safe than sorry. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of brake maintenance and what you can do to avoid brake problems.
Why It’s Important to Check Your Brakes Regularly
In the United States, brake failure is the cause of 5% of all car crashes. That may not sound like a lot, but it amounts to nearly 300,000 crashes, annually. This highlights the need to ensure that your vehicle’s brakes are properly maintained.
Your brakes are made up of many different parts, including brake pads, brake shoes, brake discs, and brake fluid. Over time, these parts can wear down from use and need to be replaced. If you don’t regularly check your brakes, you may not notice a problem until it’s too late.
If you neglect to get your brakes repaired, it could lead to brake failure. This is when the brake system is no longer able to generate enough friction to stop the vehicle. brake failure can cause a serious accident, and it is one of the leading causes of death on the roads.
Worn-down brakes severely impact your ability to control your vehicle, especially at higher speeds. That’s why it’s important for your health, the health of your vehicle, and the health of everyone on the road around you that your brakes are properly maintained.
What Causes Brake Problems?
Many different factors can cause brake problems. The most common cause is wear and tear. As brake pads and shoes wear down, they become less effective at stopping the vehicle. Other causes of brake problems include leaks in the brake system, contaminated brake fluid, and damaged brake discs.
Here are some things that cause your brakes to wear down faster:
- Driving in stop-and-go traffic
- Brake pads that are too thin
- Using your brakes too hard
- Riding your brake pedal
- Brake drums that are out of round
What Is Involved in Brake Repair?
If you think you may have a brake problem, the first thing you should do is take your car to a mechanic. They will inspect the brake system and diagnose the problem. Once they have diagnosed the problem, they will be able to give you an estimate for the repair.
List out the process of a brake repair at a mechanic:
- Pads are replaced
- Discs are resurfaced or replaced
- Calipers are inspected and replaced if necessary
- Fluid is flushed and replaced
Different Kinds of Brakes
There are two main types of brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes are more common on newer cars, while drum brakes are more common on older cars. Disc brakes work by using brake pads to press against a brake disc, which is attached to the wheel. Drum brakes work by using brake shoes to press against the brake drum, which is also attached to the wheel.
Here are some of the benefits of each type of brake:
Disc Brakes
- More effective in wet weather
- Less likely to overheat
- More responsive
Drum Brakes
- Cheaper to repair
- Simpler design means they’re less likely to fail
In Conclusion
Regular brake maintenance is essential for the safety of you and your passengers. By regularly checking and servicing your brakes, you can avoid brake problems and ensure that your car is always able to stop safely.
Do you have brake problems? Take your car to Paul’s Auto Repair in Jerome and get it checked out today! Our team is highly skilled at working with brake pads, brake discs, brake shoes, and brake fluid.
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