Brake inspection and repair
Do you have a noise or vibration when pressing the brake pedal? Or do you simply want to know how soon you will be needing brakes? We offer top-notch brake inspection and repair on all vehicle makes and models.
We suggest a brake system inspection at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. Our certified mechanics will inspect all of the major components of your vehicle's brake system and give you an evaluation of the current condition of the system.
We will educate you on the inspection findings for your vehicle and an estimate for repairs. After you review it and approve it, only then will we start doing any type of work on your vehicle.
LEARN ABOUT BRAKES:
Vehicle brakes are designed to convert kinetic energy (the car’s motion) into heat energy to slow down or stop the vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, you’re initiating a hydraulic process that ultimately applies pressure to the wheels, creating friction that slows down the car.
1. Disc Brakes: In disc brakes, the brake fluid pressure causes the caliper to squeeze brake pads against a rotating metal disc, or rotor. The friction between the brake pads and the rotor slows the wheel’s rotation, thus slowing down the vehicle.
2. Brake Fluid: Since brake fluid is hydro-philic (meaning it absorbs moisture over time), when its not serviced it can cause a soft brake pedal or rust inside expensive ABS units. We recommend having this fluid changed every 2 years or 30,000 miles on most vehicles.
3. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Most modern vehicles are equipped with ABS, which prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking. Sensors detect when a wheel is about to stop spinning, and the system rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure to that wheel to maintain traction.
4.Brake Pedal and Master Cylinder: When you press the brake pedal, it pushes a plunger inside the master cylinder. This cylinder contains brake fluid, a specialized hydraulic fluid that transfers the pressure applied on the pedal through the brake lines to each wheel.
5. Drum Brakes: These should be cleaned and adjusted once every 24,000 miles on most cars. In drum brakes, fluid pressure forces brake shoes outward against a spinning drum attached to the wheel. The friction between the shoes and the drum generates the force needed to slow the vehicle.
6. Brake Lines: The brake fluid flows through a network of brake lines to reach each wheel’s braking mechanism, either a brake caliper (disc brakes) or a brake cylinder (drum brakes).
In essence, vehicle brakes work by using hydraulic pressure to apply friction, which slows the wheel’s rotation and ultimately stops the vehicle. This system is highly reliable and efficient, allowing for controlled and safe deceleration.