What is an Anti-Lock Brake System?

Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

How to Bleed Brakes

How to Change Brake Pads

How Long Do Brakes Last?

How to Check Brake Fluid

Brake Pads vs Rotors

Signs You Need Your Brakes Replaced

The Anatomy of Your Brakes

Your braking system incorporates several components that work together to provide the ability to slow the vehicle or stop it. These components often go through their own forms of wear and damage. Your braking system consists of:

• Brake Pads: these components create friction to help you reduce your speed by pressing against the rotors to slow the movement of the wheels. These important components are generally the most commonly replaced part of your vehicle’s braking system, so having them checked regularly is important.
• Brake Calipers: these clamps are responsible for forcing the pads against the rotors when you are pressing the brake pedal.
• Brake Fluid: brake fluid is crucial to the system because it flows through the lines to help push the calipers and pads against the rotors when you apply pressure to the brake pedal.
• Rotors: these components are attached to the wheel and help slow down movement of the wheels because the calipers are forcing the pads against them.

Signs That Indicate It’s Time to Find Brake Repair near Me

While it’s important to have your braking system checked regularly for any signs of wear or premature damage, you can also detect these issues yourself. There are several signs that you can look out for that will tell you it’s time to schedule brake repair near you to help correct the issues so you can relax knowing that you’ll have full function of your braking system.

• Grinding & Squeaking Noises: you’ll hear this sound when your brake pads are starting to go. Brake pads are equipped with metal pieces called wear indicators. When you press the brakes and hear this loud pitch, it’s the metal part letting you know that you’ll want to change your brake pads soon.
• There’s Vibration When You’re Pressing the Brake Pedal: this sign usually indicates a worn rotor.
• Brake Dashboard Light: this light will pop on when the system detects an issues with your braking system, whether it’s low fluid or a broken component.
• Spongey Brake Pedal: when you press on the brake pedal and feel little to no resistance, it could mean that you have air in your brake lines. Have this issue corrected as soon as possible because it has a major effect on the function of your brakes.