Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

Does Suspension Impact Brake Wear?

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It’s estimated that the average car on the road today has over 30,000 parts. And while it’s not important to know every part, you should learn the basic systems and how they operate. This helps you stay on top of the condition of your car, and can alert you to when things go wrong.

Let’s start by discussing the braking system and your suspension, and how the two work together.

How car brakes work

A car’s braking system is fairly simple to understand. When you press down on the brake pedal, the car slows down or stops. If you’ve ever ridden a bicycle, you know how the process works.

The brake pedal is connected to a part called the master cylinder with a metal rod. The master cylinder chamber is filled with brake fluid, which is what makes the brake system work. Brake lines are connected from the master cylinder to the brake calipers, which give passageway for the brake fluid to flow.Does Suspension Impact Brake Wear?

When you press down on the brake pedal, the metal rod moves up and down, compressing the brake fluid in the master cylinder. As pressure builds, it moves through the brake lines and creates the force the brake system needs to operate. More force on the brake pedal pushes more pressure in the brake line, and ultimately more force for stopping the car.

When you take your foot off the brake pedal, it releases the pressure via spring action. It moves back to resting position, releasing the brakes at each wheel and allowing the car to move freely.

How steering and suspension work

The steering and suspension work together to keep your car under control.

The steering system gives you directional control over your vehicle. The suspension system supports the weight of your vehicle and gives it a smooth ride, while providing stability for the current road conditions. Together, they keep your car under control and give you both drivability and handling.

If you’ve ever had a problem with your steering, you’ve probably heard the term “rack and pinion.” This is one of the most common steering systems used for many cars on the road today. As you turn your steering wheel, it’s rotating on a pinion. This movement rotates a rack, which controls the direction of your wheels from one angle to another. Think of the rack and pinion as a gear shift that work together. As you rotate the steering wheel, the pinion catches in the circular gear connected to the rack, giving you a turning radius.

While rack and pinion is one of the most popular, it isn’t the only format. Other popular types of steering design include parallelogram steering, which includes power steering pumps, Pitman arms, idler arms, and a center link. They have joints and levers work together to form the modern day steering and suspension system.

Ultimately, no matter what type of steering and suspension system you have, the goal is to provide you with a smooth ride.

How brakes and steering and suspension work together

It should be fairly easy to see how the two systems work together. The steering and suspension provide stability to keep you safe on the road, while the braking system gives you the control you need to adjust to traffic conditions.

If your suspension is off, your car won’t handle well when braking. It may nosedive. It can cause you to swerve. All of which can cause you to pound on the brakes, wearing them out before their time.

Does your car have problems with the suspension? Have you noticed any of these signs?

Your car rides roughly

Every system in your vehicle is designed to tell you in advance that it’s reaching end of life. When the shocks and struts of your suspension system are wearing out, you’ll start to feel every bump on the road. Have you noticed a bounce when you ride? That’s an indication your suspension system is having problems.

Your car drifts or pulls as you turn

When a car’s suspension system fails, it starts to drift or pull as you make a turn. This means the shocks are no longer doing their job to keep your car stable as it moves through turns. This can increase your risk of rollover if you take the turn too fast.

Your car nose dives as you stop

When shocks wear out, you’ll likely feel the car nose dive as you apply the brakes. This can reduce the stopping power of your brakes, meaning it will take more distance to safely come to a stop.

Your tires will wear unevenly

Glance at your tire tread from time to time. If you see uneven wear, it could be a sign your suspension system isn’t doing its job. It applies pressure on the tires in different ways, creating bald spots in certain places.

Your shocks are oily

If you take a look under your vehicle, or glance at the ground as you drive away, do you notice wet spots? It a greasy, oily liquid appears where your shocks and struts were lined up, it could be they are leaking fluid. Anytime fluid leaks, it’s a sign the system isn’t doing its job at full capacity.

Try the bounce test

One of the easiest ways you can determine if your suspension system isn’t working is to apply the bounce test. With the car in park, press down on the hood of the car, then release. Do the same thing on the trunk. If the car bounces as you release it, it’s a sign your suspension system is wearing out.

Do you have a problem with your brakes, steering or suspension system? We can help.

Your brakes and suspension system are designed to help your vehicle function properly, while giving you a safe, smooth ride. Letting either system continue to operate at a less-than-optimal rate puts you at risk as well as costs you money as more damage continues to accrue.

Stop by today and let assess your vehicle’s performance. Together we can help keep you on the road longer, and enjoy the ride.

How To Ensure Your Car’s Brake System Is Working The Way It Should

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Winter in Colorado means snow. A lot of snow. Historically, Denver will receive around 55 inches of snow each winter season. And if you’re not prepared for it, you will pay the price.

For drivers, that means having a car that’s ready for anything. From icy roads to snowpack several inches deep, the last thing you need on your commute is to worry about your safety.

That’s why it’s the most important time of the year to ensure your brakes are properly maintained. Poor brake maintenance not only puts your safety at risk, but it also decreases performance and longevity of the system overall. Your car is an intricate series of parts that work together. When one part is off, it can throw everything else into chaos as well.

With your brake system, it’s important to be proactive with maintenance. Your car’s manufacturer should have a recommended brake maintenance schedule. It may even come with a dashboard warning signal, letting you know it’s time for brake servicing. A good rule of thumb is:

  • Check your brake pads at 12,000 miles
  • Replace brake fluid at 25,000 miles

These estimates depend both on what car you drive as well as your driving style. By letting experts look at your system, they can help you make an informed decision to keep you safe no matter what the weather is like outside.

What does brake system maintenance mean?

Check your brake pads and rotors

The brake pads and rotors are the two main parts of your braking system. They are also the two main points of contact between your braking system and your tires. Because of their action during braking and stopping, they will deteriorate faster than other parts of your brake system.How To Ensure Your Car’s Brake System Is Working The Way It Should

When you press down on the brake pedal, it’s connected mechanically to a metal rod that feeds into a device called the master cylinder. A master cylinder is filled with brake fluid, or hydraulic fluid. The master cylinder and your car’s calipers are connected by brake lines. This is how the brake fluid flows through your brake system.

Pressing down on the brake pedal starts the braking process. The metal rod acts as a piston inside the master cylinder, compressing brake fluid to build up pressure inside the braking system. This pressure is transferred into the brake lines, forcing the brakes to move into action.

Behind each wheel is a caliper. Think of it as a big clamp that pushes the brake pads against the rotor, causing friction as it slows down your car. Your brake pads are under a lot of pressure as they slow and stop your vehicle over and over again each time you drive. Eventually, that process wears down. If you notice your pedal moves closer to the floor as you apply pressure, or smell a burning odor, it’s time to check your brakes.

Flush your brake fluid

Every time you press your brake pedal down, brake fluid is released and transferred from the master cylinder to the brake lines, into the calipers, and finally to the brake pads and rotors. Without brake fluid, this process wouldn’t work the way it does.

However, because brake fluid is an integral part of the braking process, it’s important for it to be in good working condition. Over time, it can start to break down. It can attract moisture, which is destructive to your braking system. It can cause corrosion to all metal components, as well as reduce how well the brakes work.

A brake flush is a process of removing brake fluid from the vehicle and replacing it with clean fluid. This removes all of the old fluid and adds new in its place. This will improve the performance of your car, as new fluid will come with a chemical structure that improves the way your braking system will work.

Bleed the brakes

While flushing the brake fluid through the brake line will add new fluid to your car, you should also bleed the brake lines to remove excess air. Over time, small amounts of air can be trapped, causing brakes to feel spongy when pressure is applied to the brake pedal.

As brake pads wear down, their composition can allow small amounts of air inside the braking system. It’s also possible for the brake lines to let in air. If you are an aggressive driver always slamming on the brakes, this can lead to air penetrating the brake lines.

Bleeding the brakes is the process of removing air from the brake line. This ensures the brakes are in good working condition and will work every time you press down on the brake pedal.

Upgrade as necessary

Over time, your brake system will continue to wear. Likewise, technology continues to increase the quality of brake parts, improving both performance and safety factors. This is a constant give and take process, one that should be adhered to on a regular schedule.

When you take the “wait and see” approach, you’re more likely to face expensive repair bills, have your car break down when you least expect it, and put you at more risk for accidents. Scheduling is the key to ensuring your vehicle always runs at its very best.

Become a better driver

One of the best ways to ensure your braking system is always in good condition is to pay more attention to how you drive. Brakes tend to fail more when you exceed what your vehicle is capable of. Things like:

  • Carrying large or heavy loads
  • Heavy braking
  • Aggressive driving
  • Driving in poor weather

Any of these can degrade your brakes to the point of having them fail on you when you least expect it. And that puts you and those around you at greater risk.

Your brakes are your safety net on the road. When in doubt, have them checked. It’s the best way to keep them in good working condition all year long. 

How Often Should Your Brakes Be Replaced?

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Your vehicle’s entire brake system will wear out over time. That includes brake pads, brake rotors, and brake calipers. It also depends on your driving patterns.

Every part of your brake system will have to be replaced at some point. The key is in doing so before it puts you in danger.

Understanding brake wear

Stop to think for a moment how many times your brakes are used in any given year. According to one study, the average driver uses their brakes around 75,000 times in a year! That’s a lot of braking.

Vehicular accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Brake failure is cause for only about 5 percent of total accidents per year. But considering there were 6.5 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes, that still equates to around 325,000 accidents due to problems with the braking system.How Often Should Your Brakes Be Replaced?

All parts of the braking system wear out over time, but brake wear depends on a variety of factors, including:

Brake pad hardness – brake pads come in several varieties made up of several different compounds. They are created and installed, depending on a car’s needs. For most urban driving, brake pads are made from a softer compound that does well driving around town, but does begin to break down in more performance-like settings. If you go with performance brake pads, the material is harder and made to last longer, but they don’t perform as well under most urban driving conditions.

Materials – because brake pads are made up of different compounds, they wear differently over time. The same applies to the brake rotor. Carbon-ceramic brakes, for example, will last longer than a standard metal brake, but they need to be warmer to be more effective. That can be a problem here in Colorado.  Steel or metal brakes are better for our Front Range driving conditions, and handle well throughout the year.

Driving conditions – even here in the Denver metro area, we all drive differently. Some people rarely drive more than a ten mile radius, staying close to home almost all the time for work and play. Others travel up into the mountains many weekends a year. Some people are defensive drivers, braking abruptly throughout their commutes, while others prefer smooth, gradual braking and allow plenty of room between them and the car in front of them. Some spend their days driving from stoplight to stoplight, while others drive mostly on the highway. All of this impacts how your brakes wear and how long they will last.

How do you know when to replace your brakes?

Brakes aren’t something you’ll regularly replace like motor oil or even your tires. The best way rule of thumb is to pay attention to your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines. Most mechanics will tell you that brake pads, in general, will last around 50,000 miles. Of course, all of the wearability factors from above go into that. It’s not unusual for cars to come in and need a brake job at 25,000, while others can push the envelope and wait until closer to 75,000 miles. It depends on a variety of things.

Luckily, it’s not all based on mileage. There isn’t a magical number in which you have to show up and have your brakes replaced. You can watch for warning signs.

Brake pad thickness – brake pad thickness will wear down over time. Inspect them regularly. If you have your tires rotated (and you should), or go in for an oil change, the mechanic can  take a look and tell you the condition of your brake pads.

Squealing noise – you can’t miss the sound of a brake pad that’s reaching end of life. It makes a metallic squealing noise to let you know the end is near. Brake pads have small metal pieces built into the bottom of the brake pad for that very reason. When those surface, it’s basically metal against metal, grinding away to tell you something is wrong.

Pulling and vibration – does it feel like your car pulls to one side while braking? Do you feel a vibration when you step on the brake pedal? All can be feedback from your braking system. In some cases, it might be the rotors are warped. It can also be a vehicle that’s out of alignment. When you feel either of these, your safest bet is to have a mechanic check out your brake system and fix the problem.

Whenever your brakes are worn out or lose performance, it’s time to replace them. Good, functional brakes are the key to keeping you and your family safe.

What to do when brake failure happens

While it’s important to keep your brakes in good working condition, occasionally brakes fail. As a driver, you should understand what to do if that happens.

Your first step is to determine if you have standard brakes or antilock brakes. The easiest way to tell is to watch your dashboard when you start the car. An ABS will light up if you have antilock brakes.

If standard brakes go out, you’ll come to a stop doing three things.

First, downshift to a lower gear. Next, pump the brakes fast and hard to create a buildup of brake fluid. If you haven’t noticed a change after four or five pumps, locate the parking brake and pull up. Do it gradually and be prepared for the car to skid.

If you still can’t stop the car, put the car into a low gear and steer it towards safety. It will eventually roll to a stop. Of course, living here in the Rocky Mountains, that can also be a problem coming down large hills. In that case, if you’re traveling at highway speeds, you might have to use the guard rail as a buffer. Steer so you scrape gently against it to slow your speed. Honk and flash your lights to alert other drivers to your problem.

If you have antilock brakes, you’ll push the pedal all the way to the floor and allow the ABS to do the pulsing for you. If none of it works, you’ll perform the same steps as above.

This doesn’t happen that often, but it’s still a good idea to practice skid situations in a safe environment. Use your parking brake to get a good feel for how your car handles in a variety of situations.

When was the last time your brakes were replaced?

Yes, Your Brake Fluid Will Wear Down

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Brake fluid is also known as hydraulic fluid. It is responsible for moving the different components of your car’s braking system.

Brake fluid operates under high temperatures and high pressure. Without brake fluid, your car wouldn’t slow down or come to a stop when you press down on the brake pedal.

What does brake fluid do?

Brake fluid is a lubricant and anti-corrosion fluid that ensures your brake system works optimally all the time. It’s non-compressible, which means it’s always in the brake line, ready to work and deliver force every time you push on the brake pedal. The hydraulic brake system works like this:

  • The brake pedal is pressed
  • The pedal pushes down a piston inside the brake caliper
  • This process increases pressure inside the brake lines, pushing brake fluid throughout the system
  • Pressure cause brake rotors to squeeze the brake pads into action
  • Brake pads make contact with the wheels, slowing the vehicle down
  • You stay safe by being able to control your vehicle, all by touching your foot to the brake pedal

That’s a lot of responsibility for one system! And it hopefully shows you just how important brake fluid is. It’s an essential component to ensure your vehicle operates.Yes, Your Brake Fluid Will Wear Down

What are the most common brake fluid problems?

Brake fluid isn’t like motor oil or windshield washer fluid. You don’t drive in and have it changed out on a regular basis. Still, brake fluid can develop problems over time.

The most common has been when moisture seeps into the brake fluid. However, with increased technology comes better construction. If you have an older car – 20 years or older – moisture in brake fluid was a problem. But with today’s components, seals are tighter than ever, which has eliminated most of the moisture intrusion issues.

Brake fluid usually contains up to 5 percent of additives. These are corrosion inhibitors added to prevent corrosion within the brake system. Brake fluid itself won’t corrode. What happens instead is when brake fluid no longer has anti-corrosive qualities, the internal brake hydraulic components may not get what they need. This is when breakdown occurs.

Brake fluid corrosion can occur:

  • With excessive heating or overheating through usage of a car’s brakes
  • By overusing the brake system with heavy loads or weight that exceeds recommendations
  • With excessive stop and go driving, pouncing on the brakes
  • By adding low-quality brake fluid
  • Through temperature extremes

What happens if brake fluid is low?

Different car manufacturers have different requirements when it comes to filling up your brake fluid reservoir. Check with your owner’s manual to determine how frequently to change out your brake fluid.

In theory, it can be a DIY project. But you have to understand how the basic brake system works, and have specific information about how your car works. Pay attention to the brake bleeding procedure; it needs to be performed in the right manner to keep you safe.

Are there different types of brake fluid?

In general, brake fluid isn’t that fancy. But different cars experience different driving conditions, so there are several different kinds of brake fluids to meet all needs.

DOT 3 has a glycol-ether base. It is designed for regular vehicles with average driving patterns, such as commuting.

DOT 4 is similar to DOT 3, only with more additives to increase boiling points. You’ll find DOT 4 increases performance, or move to Super DOT 4 for even better performance. This fluid is often used for racing or performance vehicles that can greatly exceed normal speed limits.

DOT 5 is not compatible with any other brake fluid types. It’s a rust preventer, and unlike other brake fluids, it won’t harm paint if spilled. It’s also costly. Unless your vehicle was specifically designed with DOT 5, this isn’t an option for most cars.

DOT 5.1 is similar to DOT 3 and DOT 4 in composition, but acts more like DOT 5 on the road. It has a lower viscosity, which is necessary for some vehicles.

In technical terms, DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are similar. In a pinch, you can substitute one for another. But you shouldn’t drive without the proper brake fluid for very long. FLush the entire system and add in fresh, clean brake fluid as recommended by your car’s manufacturer for best results.

DOT 5 cannot be substituted at any time. It could damage your brake system.

What is bleeding the brakes?

If you read anything about your brake system or adding brake fluid to your car, you’ve probably noticed talk about bleeding the brakes.

Bleeding the brakes is the process of pushing new brake fluid through the brake lines and removing the old. As brake fluid wears, it loses additives and has an increase in gas bubbles within the line. By draining the old fluid out, you ensure what’s left is high quality, fresh brake fluid ready to do its job.

This process requires a few tools. You’ll need a wrench to open up the valves located by each brake caliper. You’ll also need a catch container to hold the old brake fluid. You’ll also need a way to operate the brake pedal to push the new brake fluid through the system.

This process takes skill; don’t run the brake reservoir dry or open the valves too far. This can allow more bubbles into the system, which can cause serious safety issues as you drive. A professional will ensure the job is done right the first time.

What about a brake fluid flush?

The other term you’re likely to hear is brake fluid flush. The name makes it sound like the system is being flushed with cleaner to remove old brake fluid before new is installed. In reality, a brake fluid flush and bleeding the brakes are identical. It’s when new brake fluid is forced into the system, pushing the old fluid and all of its potential issues away. That’s it.

How long has it been since your brake fluid was changed? 

Now that you know the importance of brake fluid to your car’s brake system, the next question is: when was the last time you had your brake fluid changed?

Your brakes are one of the most important systems to keep you safe as you drive each day. If you’ve noticed a change in the way your brakes work, it’s time to have them checked. We can help. Make an appointment, and one of our professional mechanics will evaluate your systems and make suggestions for the best way to proceed. We’ll get you back on the road in no time.

Brake Job Checklist – This Is What Your Auto Mechanic Will Do

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What’s involved in a brake job? Do mechanics have a brake job checklist they work through to ensure every part of your braking system is working the way it should?

While very few of us think much about the braking system or how it works on our vehicles, there’s no denying its importance. Imagine sailing down the mountain after a day of skiing, and your brakes won’t work. That’s a pretty scary thought.

Luckily, that rarely happens. And if your car is well maintained, those chances reduce even more.

Is a brake job do-it-yourself or should you hire a mechanic?Brake Job Checklist - This Is What Your Auto Mechanic Will Do

If you’ve ever pushed the brake pedal to the floor and had a hard time engaging the brake system, you know how important your car’s brakes are.

If you’ve ever pressed down on the brake pedal on ice and slid as if your brake system wasn’t there, you know how important your brakes really are.

If your brakes don’t work, you put you and your vehicle’s occupants at risk. The good news is your car gives you warning signs long before the brakes fail.

Brake light on – today’s modern vehicles have all kinds of sensors to tell you when things need servicing. These lights are there for a reason; don’t ignore them. When you see the brake light turn on, get it serviced as soon as possible to determine what the problem is.

Noises – because your brake system is one of the most important systems, engineers have built in sounds to capture attention long before you will have trouble. If you start hearing a high-pitched noise when you apply the brake pedal, it’s warning you your brake pads are wearing thin. They are made of steel so when they come in contact with the rotors, this sound begins.

Vibration – you might also start to feel vibrations as you apply the brakes. It shakes the steering wheel and pulls you to one side or the other. If brake rotors wear unevenly, they give the appearance of wobbling as you attempt to slow down. The rotors should be even to provide a smooth stopping experience.

Fluid leaks – when you tap on the brake pedal, brake fluid is pushed through the system creating hydraulic pressure. If there is a leak in the system, there may not be enough pressure for the brake system to complete the action. If you experience a soft brake pedal, where the pedal moves all the way to the floor before it catches resistance – there is most likely a leak somewhere in the system.

Burning smell – if you smell a strong chemical odor after braking hard or using the brakes repeatedly driving down steep inclines, it could be a sign of overheated brakes. Get to a safe place and allow your brakes to cool. Check your parking brake to ensure it’s fully released and not inhibiting your car from moving. Ensure there isn’t any smoke coming from the wheel, which could be a sign of a stuck caliper. When in doubt, call for help.

Because your braking system is one of the most important parts of your automobile, error on the side of caution. When in doubt, have your brakes checked. If you have experience working with cars, you can perform the check yourself. If not, it’s best left to the professionals.

What’s included on a brake job checklist?

When you bring your car into a reputable mechanic for a complete brake job, they will move through the vehicle’s entire braking system checking off steps as they go. They will check and do the following:

  • Test drive the car
  • Inspect the tires
  • Check entire suspension system
  • Look for leaking, cracked, or damaged hoses
  • Replace leaking or damaged steel lines
  • Rebuild or replace leaking or damaged calipers
  • Look for leaks or broken pistons or guide pins and replace the caliper
  • Check to master cylinder for leaks
  • Test the brake pedal
  • Inspect rotors and drums for damage
  • Change out the brake pads or shoes
  • Service wheel bearings
  • Lubricate places like caliper slides and shoe pads
  • Check brake fluid and flush if necessary
  • Adjust the parking brake
  • Replace faulty sensors

There’s a lot that goes into using a brake job checklist. Safety matters, so all good mechanics will use this step by step guide to ensure everything is working properly to keep you and your vehicle’s occupants safe.

Brake pad wear

When many people refer to having a brake job, what they are actually referring to is replacing their brake pads. Brake pads wear every time you apply the brake pedal. If you drive mostly in the city, they are being used dozens – hundreds  of times per day as you stop and go with the flow of the traffic.

But don’t think they get a break just because you hit the highway. If you are towing a trailer or have heavy loads, those brake pads work hard no matter how often you apply the brakes. Mountain driving adds in its own special circumstances, often requiring constant pressure as you move up and down the hills.

While a brake system is designed to apply wear evenly on the brake pads, it doesn’t always happen as intended. If you notice abnormal brake wear patterns, that can tell you things too.

Tapered wear – worn caliper hardware

Only one pad worn – caliper or piston hanging up

Grooved surfaces – problems with the rotors

Chipped surfaces – excessive heat buildup

Step in lining – the pads don’t line up correctly – installed incorrectly

If you notice any of these on your brake pads, your best course of action is to schedule an appointment right away.

Braking system care

One of the most effective ways to ensure your car’s performance and safety every day of the year is to properly maintain your brakes. There are a lot of ways you can ensure your car is operating the way it should. Brake deterioration is often caused by:

  • Carrying too much weight – only carry what is needed within your vehicle.
  • Heavy braking – turn aggressive driving into a more passive driving routine. Every time you jump on the brakes because you’re traveling too close to the vehicle in front of you, you add wear to your braking system.
  • Wet weather – be especially mindful of your brakes when road conditions change because of rain, snow, or ice. Give yourself plenty of room to brake, adding extra distance between you and other vehicles to ensure your safety.

Your brakes are your safety net for the road. Without them, you could put you, your vehicle, and your family in precarious situations. If you think you have a problem with your brakes, don’t delay. Schedule a visit with one of our mechanics, where we’ll run through our brake job checklist and ensure every aspect of your braking system is working the way it should.

How Tires Affect Your Brake System

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As you drive around the city, you have a lot on your mind. Your to-do list is in hand – stop by the dry cleaners, pick up groceries, grab a coffee to go. How much can you do between meetings, or before you have to pick the kids up from school? Your daily list goes on and on.

You probably don’t think much about your car. Yet eventually, your car won’t act “normal.” Something will seem a bit off. It’ll make a strange noise. It won’t handle the way it has in the past.

For some issues, it’s not a big deal. You can drive for a while with only minor inconvenience. But what about if you notice your car isn’t stopping like it once did?How Tires Affect Your Brake System

Logically, if you want to give your car better braking ability, you assume it means installing new brakes. Your brake system is responsible for turning kinetic energy from your moving car into heat. If the brakes aren’t operating the way they should, that process won’t work the way it’s supposed to.

Can tires affect brakes?

But it’s more than the brake system that gives your car the ability to stop. Tires play their part too. The brakes may be the one part that give your car control and help you slow down, but without the tires, you wouldn’t have the quickness and stability that you do.

All of today’s passenger cars have anti-lock braking systems, also known as ABS. ABS prevents your wheels from locking up when you hard brake. This gives you control in emergency situations. Otherwise, when you pounce on the brakes and your front wheels lock up, you’d lose the ability to steer where you want to go.

If you’ve ever pressed down on your brake pedal with urgency, you’ll hear the ABS pump working. You’ll feel the ABS vibrating through the brake pedal as the system works to create the right amount of pressure to each wheel.

ABS tells the overall braking system that the wheel has stopped rotating, but the tire can’t keep up with the force. Your braking system is perfectly happy to keep applying pressure to stop the rotation of the wheel. But if your tires are capable of withstanding the pressure, more pressure serves no purpose. Your tires will be the problem in the process.

So, tires control braking instead of the brake system?

No, not exactly. The two go hand in hand. Your brakes would continue to work with or without tires in place. It’s the safety and ride that are impacted by tires. While the wheels, calipers, rotors, and brake pads all play their part in how your vehicle stops, tire grip also plays a role. No matter how good of a braking system you install in your car, the stopping power will only be as good as how the tires connect to the road.

Can bald tires affect braking?

One of the most dangerous things you can do is to drive on bald tires. According to the Crash causation Survey of the NHTSA, 9 percent of all crashes were based on tire-related issues. While bald tires aren’t the only thing attributed to increased risk factors, it is a significant characteristic that can increase the likelihood of an accident, especially when  you add in road conditions commonplace across the Front Range.

It’s the tires that keep you on the road. The amount of tread left on the tires plays an integral part in how well it grips the road. Even in the best of circumstances, the available traction is what keeps your car safe as pick up speed or stop. As conditions change, your risk factors quickly escalate.

Bald tires on dry roads are at an increased risk of a blowout. As the tread wears away, the tire’s structure also becomes thinner and more at risk. It makes it easier to puncture, and if the tire is filled with too much air, it’s at an increased risk for failure as you pick up speed.

When you add in wet road conditions, you also increase the risk of hydroplaning. The tread pattern in a tire helps channel away water. As the tread wears down, it can no longer move water away from the tire, creating tension between the road and the tire. Your stopping distance expands exponentially, as well as your chances of skidding out of control.

Now let’s add in snow and icy conditions, something that’s commonplace here in Denver. Without proper tread, you are essentially at the mercy of the icy road. You’ll slide along on the surface no matter what condition your brakes are in.

Of course, it’s not just ice and snow that can impact your car. The heat of the summer has its problems too. A tire’s tread actually works to prevent massive heat buildup as you move down the street. As temperatures climb towards triple digits in the summer, balding tires have no way to dissipate the heat of the air flow, cooling your tires. When tires overheat, they are at increased risk for blowouts.

Will my car ride better with new tires?

The obvious answer is: yes. When you install new tires onto your vehicle, you’ll have better performance from the moment you take it out onto the street. They’ll have more tread, more grip, and provide you with a smoother ride.

Of course, it ultimately depends on the problem you were trying to correct.

Tires affect the braking system, but the two are separate parts to your car. You can’t stop without quality tires in place. You can’t stop unless your braking system is working the way it should. The two have equal bearing on the safety and handling of your car.

If your vehicle isn’t stopping the way it should and you aren’t sure where the problem lies, the best place to start is with an inspection. We can look over your entire system and determine what’s preventing you from driving as your car is intended to perform. Together we can make your car a safer, more reliable tool to help you get through your busy days.

Should All Brake Pads Be Replaced At Once?

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When something wears out, you replace it. That’s a time-honored philosophy we learn as kids and use throughout our lives.

But on some things, the concept isn’t as straightforward as with others. If your dishwasher breaks, for example, you get a new dishwasher.

Your vehicle has four wheels, four tires, four brake pads. Logic would say that when one wears out, you replace it. That isn’t the case.Should All Brake Pads Be Replaced At Once?

Should all brake pads be replaced at once? The short answer is that you should think of your brake pads in pairs: front and rear. If one brake pad has problems or wears down, you need to replace a set at a time.

Before we get into why that’s so, let’s start at the beginning, with how your braking system works.

What Brake Calipers Do

Brake calipers are an essential part of your vehicle’s braking system. Most of the vehicles on the road today use disc brakes to stop and slow the car. With a disc braking system, a car’s wheels have metal discs, also called rotors, attached that spin along with the wheel as you move. When you press on the brake pedal to slow or stop, calipers create friction against the rotor and slow the car down.

If you look at your braking system, the caliper fits over the rotor, resembling a clamp. Inside each caliper is a pair of metal plates – these are your brake pads. Known as outboard and inboard brake pads, they sit on either side of the rotor to put pressure on from both sides.

When you step on the brake pedal, brake fluid is released from the master cylinder. It creates pressure in the pistons of the brake caliper, which forces the brake pads against the rotor. Brake pads are made from high-friction material that slows down the rotor when contact is made. And since the rotor is attached to the wheel, the car slows down in the process.

There are two main types of calipers on today’s cars: fixed and floating.

Fixed calipers don’t move; they have pistons on both sides of the rotor. Fixed calipers are often thought of as high-performance, but they are more expensive than floating calipers. Fixed calipers, in general, have two or more pairs of pistons per rotor, but can go as high as six.

Floating calipers move in and out under pressure. One or two pistons will be on the inboard side of the rotor, pushing the entire caliper when the brake pedal is pushed.

Every time the brake pads come in contact with the rotor, they wear down a little. They become thinner and thinner until they can no longer do their jobs. The pistons continue to push the brake pads closer to the rotors, until they are fully extended. At this point, it’s time to replace your brake pads with a fresh set.

Which leads us back to our original question:

Should All Brake Pads Be Replaced At Once?

Brake pads on the front of your car will wear differently than the brake pads on the back. The reason is that your front brake pads actually do most of the work, with up to 70 percent of all braking action occurring in the front of your car.

When you step on the brake pedal, the weight transfers to the front of the car. The downward force is greater on the front tires, resulting in more friction between the front wheels and the road. With more force being applied to the front of the car, the action actually decreases in the back of the car. Braking is directly proportional to the amount of downward force applied to the wheels of your car.

Car manufacturers know this, so they create different braking grip between the front and back braking systems to improve overall performance with your vehicle. If equal pressure were to be applied equally, your back brakes would lock up earlier and cause your car to be squirrely under heaving braking conditions.

With more force being applied to the front of the vehicle every time you step on the brake pedal, it’s easy to see why your front brake pads wear out before the rear. This is why it’s possible you’ll have to replace your front brake pads more than your back.

But if you’ve ever looked at your brake pads, it is possible to have one side wear out faster than the other. If a brake caliper is defective, for example, it might cause the brake pad to wear quickly and need replacing long before the brake pad on the other side of the car. Why can’t you just replace the worn out brake pad? Why are they replaced in pairs?

So that both sides of the brake system are equal and work evenly to stop your vehicle. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, it causes the brake pads to push against the rotors to stop the car. If the pads are uneven, it can stop one wheel faster than the other, making your car swerve.

How Often Should You Replace Your Brakes?

Different makes and models have different requirements. But it is important to note that your braking system is one of the most important parts of your vehicle to keep you safe and secure. When in doubt, replace.

Today’s cars are built with efficiency in mind. You’ll find different braking aids to push replacement farther out, meaning you can drive farther on every set of brakes you purchase. Some newer cars are installed with electronic brake force distribution, or EBD. The is a processing system that applies more braking power through the real wheel system, which will cause them to wear faster than other models.

You’ll also find cars with anti-lock brakes, or ABS. This is a cycling braking system where pressure is applied on and off in a series of bursts to both the rear and front wheels. This will increase brake pad wear, as well.

It’s Time For A Checkup

Of course, there are many ways your car signals brake pads are wearing down. We’ve written about them here and here. You might notice a flashing light on your dashboard. You might feel it as it becomes more difficult to stop.

Whenever you have a question about how well your brakes are working, don’t delay. Have them checked out from one of our mechanics to determine how safe they really are.

Are Brake Flushes Good or Bad?

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Your car is something you probably use every day. You use it to drive you to work and back. You use it to run all the little errands that come up during the day.

You know it’s important to keep gas in your car. As the needle moves towards empty, you make the time to drive through the nearest gas station and fill up the tank.

You also watch your mileage and keep an eye on when the last time you replaced the oil in your car. It’s important to keep your vehicle running well, and without the proper amount of oil, you’ll notice problems almost immediately.Are Brake Flushes Good or Bad?

But there’s another fluid that people rarely think much about. Brake fluid is one that exists in your car and is an important part of your braking system, yet we rarely think much about it.

Until problems begin.

Are brake flushes necessary? Will they help your car stay in good working condition? Let’s start with the basics.

Brake fluid and its purpose

Any time you see the word “fluid” you should now that it’s vitally important to well-being. Just like you can’t live your best life without a daily intake of water, your vehicle can’t run without proper fluid levels, including brake fluid.

Brake fluid is what allows your braking system to exist. Brake fluid allows pressure from your foot to transfer into the braking system and easily bring your 3000+ car to a stop in all conditions. Whether you’re creeping through a neighborhood, or flying down the highway, it’s brake fluid that gives you the power of stopping quickly whenever you desire.

Pretty cool when you think about how brake fluid works.

Overall, brake fluid has two purposes:

  • It transfers and multiplies energy
  • It lubricates moving parts and keeps them running the way they should

Energy doesn’t have the ability to dissipate on its own. It can only be converted into another form. The physics of a vehicle’s braking system makes it possible to transfer kinetic energy – the power of moving forward – into heat, and dissipating that heat on demand. This process is done through the brake system, using rotors and brake pads for slowing and stopping.

Brake fluid is what makes this process possible. It’s a special fluid with a high boiling point of over 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When installed correctly, brake fluid is dry, without moisture. However, brake fluid is also hygroscopic, which means it attracts moisture.

That might seem like it wouldn’t be a problem here in dry Colorado, but you’d be surprised at how easily water can infiltrate the system. And with even just a couple percentage points of moisture mixed in with brake fluid can cause the boiling point to drop severely.

Why is that important?

When parts get exceedingly hot, they rust, deteriorate, and corrode, which leads to premature failure.

As parts start to fail, they crack, leak, and break apart. Rubber, flakes of metal, dirt, small bits of plastic – it all can move into your brake fluid as the brake system deteriorates over time.

And as that happens, the brake fluid can no longer do its job.

Is it necessary to take care of this once in a while? Does your vehicle need a brake flush from time to time? The answer is: yes.

How often are brake flushes needed in today’s cars? 

Now that you know flushing out the system and adding new brake fluid is important, the next question is, “how often?”

The answer, as you would expect, is: it depends.

As a general rule of thumb, most auto manufacturers recommend flushing the brake fluid every two to three years, or every 24,000 to 36,000 miles. Of course, not every car manufacturer recommends brake flushes on the same schedule, so it’s important to check with your owner’s manual before starting the process. You can also give us a call for advice; we’re happy to take a look at your current brake system and give you a good idea of how well it operates and what to do to keep your car working well.

Is flushing brakes a do it yourself job?

Cars are more sophisticated than ever before. So do-it-yourselfers are comfortable changing the oil or installing a new battery. But brake flushes are more complicated than opening up a plug and letting the fluid drain, followed by adding a can or two of oil back into the system. Do it the wrong way, and your car won’t operate the way it should. And that’s not a situation you want for your family or other occupants.

Brake flushing involves removing all brake fluid from the brake system and inputting new brake fluid back inside. If you’ve heard the term “bleed the brakes,” it comes from removing enough brake fluid to remove air bubbles from the brake line and create a safe system for your car.

How do you know what brake fluid your vehicle uses? You can check the cap on your brake master cylinder, which should indicate on the outside what type of brake fluid your car uses. Your owner’s manual might also list the type of brake fluid your vehicle uses. But keep in mind, brake fluid isn’t something you’ll locate in your local big box store; it isn’t as readily available as motor oil.

There are two basic types of brake fluid on the market, a glycol-based and a silicon-based. Glycol-based absorbs water, while silicon-based does not.

The two are not interchangeable. You can’t substitute one for the other and have your brake system work. They react against one another and will corrode your brake system. You should also be careful not to spill brake fluid on your car as it will eat paint.

For all these reasons and more, it’s wise to leave brake flushes to professional mechanics.

Do you have other brake flush related questions?

It takes a lot of work to ensure your car stays working the way it should. You want your car to run when you need it, be reliable every time you pull away from home. To do that, have a trustworthy mechanic ready to help you keep your vehicle in its best condition, ready to keep your family safe every month of the year.

If you have any questions about your vehicle’s performance or reliability, we’re here to help. Contact us throughout our automated form, or give us a call today.

4 Signs You Might Need New Brakes

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Driving here in the Denver metro area isn’t an option; it’s a necessity. While mass transit is increasing, most of us only use it on a part-time basis. It might work if you work downtown, or if you want to head to a ballgame, but eventually, you’ll have to climb behind the wheel and drive to where you need to go.

It’s easy to forget how much power you have when you put your car into motion. Thousands of pounds of steel can fly down the highway at fifty, sixty, seventy miles per hour or more.

We rely on everything to work the way it should. And if you maintain your vehicle properly, everything will work correctly.

But imagine if you push down on the brake pedal and nothing happens. That can be a scary feeling as you’re slowing for a stop sign in the middle of Denver. Now imagine that same thing happening on your way home from a ski weekend, flying down I-70.

How important are your brakes? At that moment, you’re likely to think they’re the most essential things in the world.4 Signs You Might Need New Brakes

Eventually, every car will need new brakes. Every part on a vehicle will wear out over time.

The critical part of the process is recognizing the signs and replacing your brakes long before they become a problem. The last thing you want is to put your family, or the lives of others out on the road in jeopardy. Luckily, your vehicle does give you warning signs that your brakes have a problem.

This can help you determine when to replace old brakes with new brakes, and ensure your car keeps working the way it should.

How brakes work

Before you can understand the signs of brake failure, it’s important to know how brakes work.

Most cars on the road today use disc brakes. These function in much the same way as your multi-speed bicycle. Have you ever gripped the brake handle on a bike and noticed two pads clamping down on the tire to stop it?

With a vehicle, a hydraulic system is filled with brake fluid that triggers a set of brake pads to clamp down on the wheel whenever the brake pedal is pushed to start the stopping process. These padded clamps are known as calipers, and the squeeze together onto a disc down as the rotor. As the brake pads connect with the disc, friction occurs until eventually, the car stops.

Think, for a moment, about how much heat this friction generates. While new pads may be strong and powerful, eventually, this material wears down. The thinner it gets, the more chance your brake system has of failing. That means a slowing effect at stopping your car.

This leads to your first sign of brake failure.

Worn Brake Pads

Brake pads are crafted from a variety of different materials.

Most cars use semi-metallic brake pads. These pads are made of metal shavings of copper, steel, graphite, and brass, all bonded together with resin to create a high-quality product that works well for everyday driving.

Some vehicles look for better performance and choose organic brake pads. These are comprised of non-metallic components like glass, rubber, and Kevlar, bonded in resin.

Still others choose ceramic brake pads comprised mostly of ceramic fibers and bonded together using resin. They often have copper fibers woven within. These are designed for performance vehicles, including racing cars that generate higher levels of heat when applying the brakes.

Checking to determine if your brake pads are worn is a fairly straightforward process. All you need to do is look through the spokes of your wheel and find the disc or rotor inside. You’ll notice the caliper sits on the outer edge. Between the caliper and the rotor is the brake pad. Brake pads should be at least one-quarter inch thick to work properly. If the brake pad appears to be thinner than this, it’s time to add new brake pads.

If your car is designed in such a way that you can’t see through it, you’ll need to remove your tire to see the rotor and pads. If you don’t have experience in doing this yourself, we can do it for you and let you know how much life your brake pads have.

Strange Sounds

If you’ve had your vehicle for a while, chances are you know all the sounds your car makes. When a squeal occurs, it’ll come to your immediate attention.

Brake pads are designed to produce this sound to let you know it’s time for replacement. A small indicator is built into the braking system to give you a warning sign that servicing is necessary. This sound is designed to be loud, so you’ll hear it over the radio or other things going on in your car.

In addition to squealing, you might also hear grinding. This means your brake pads are completely worn through, and the calipers are now grinding against the metal of your rotors. If this continues to occur, you’ll damage the rotor, and it will no longer be as simple or as inexpensive as merely replacing the brake pads.

Pulling Sensation

Have you ever felt as if your car is driving on its own? That it’s pulling you to the right or left while you’re driving or braking?

This is a sign of a potential problem with your brake system. It might be a sign of a stuck caliper. If it’s stuck, it will cause friction to one wheel and not the others. This would create a pull to one side of the vehicle as your driving and stopping.

A broken brake hose could also cause your calipers to move unevenly, making it feel like your car is pulling to one side or the other. It would apply different levels of pressure when you press the brake pedal, causing more friction to one side or the other.

Vibrations

Have you ever pushed down on the brake pedal, and a quick pulsating feeling comes through as the car slows? This goes beyond the feeling of anti-lock brakes. If you notice this happening through your brake pedal, and it gets worse the farther you press down, you could have a problem.

A vibrating brake pedal often indicates you have warped rotors. When the surface area becomes uneven, the brake pads won’t connect smoothly. You’ll feel this as the wheel goes around and continues to slow.

In addition to this thrumming feeling, you might also notice your brake pedal becomes mushy, and pushes all the way down before engaging the brakes. This might be a problem with the brake pads, or a fluid leak in the hydraulic system. If you’ve noticed a leak underneath your car, brake fluid has a clear consistency similar to cooking oil.

The opposite can also occur, where the brakes grab at the slightest touch. This might be a worn rotor or dirty brake fluid. Your mechanic can help you define the problem and solve it as quickly as possible.

Few can deny that a brake system is one of the most critical systems in a car. If you think you need new brakes, or aren’t sure where the problem lies, stop by today. We’ll help you get back on the road again safely in no time.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Serviced?

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To keep your car running, it’s necessary to pull into the gas station every few hundred miles for a fill-up. You don’t think about it. You just do it.

Unfortunately, other car maintenance routines aren’t as automatic. You may fill up your windshield washer fluid when it’s empty because your vision becomes impaired through the dirt on the windshield. You may pull in for an oil change because the sticker on your window gives you a date and mileage number to shoot for.

But what about brake fluid?

What does brake fluid does for your car?

Brake fluid is also known as hydraulic fluid. Brake fluid allows the various components of your car’s brake system to move and operate efficiently. Without brake fluid, your vehicle wouldn’t come to a stop when you pushed down on the brake pedal.How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Serviced?

Brake fluid is designed to operate under high temperature and high pressure. It’s a non-compressible fluid that is housed within the brake lines, and is delivered to the various braking components when you press down on the pedals. It’s brake fluid that helps apply pressure to all four wheels, bringing your car to a stop. It works like this:

  • When you want to stop or slow down, you press down on the brake pedal.
  • The pedal starts the braking process by compressing a piston that resides in each brake caliper.
  • This process increases the pressure within the brake line, sending brake fluid where it needs to go throughout the brake system.
  • Brake fluid causes the rotors to connect with the brake pads, which in turn makes contact with the wheels. This friction slows the rotation of the wheel, eventually bringing it to a stop.

Without brake fluid, your brake system wouldn’t work. If brake fluid runs low, is contaminated with dirt or grime, or doesn’t flow properly in any way, your braking system is compromised.

That would make your brake fluid pretty important, right? Yet it’s one of the most forgotten fluids in your vehicle.

What happens to brake fluid as it ages?

Brake fluid doesn’t exist in a perfectly sterile world. Over time, it absorbs moisture, which has the potential to lower the boiling point and raise the freezing point. Dirt infiltrates the fluid, increasing the possibility of corrosion throughout the braking system components.

This is a slower process than the motor oil you change out of your vehicle several times per year. But like any car fluid, your brake fluid has to be at optimal performance level for it to do its job correctly. Because brake fluid is an integral part of your car’s safety, check your owner’s manual to determine the recommended brake fluid changing schedule. If you think you might have a problem with your brake fluid, have one of our mechanics check it out to ensure your safety.

How do you check brake fluid?

When you open up the hood on your car, you’ll find brake fluid is usually stored in a translucent plastic container. You should be able to see the levels of brake fluid without removing the cap. This is different than other fluids where you can remove the cap and check levels with a dipstick, like your motor oil, or remove the cap for easy fill like with your windshield washer fluid.

With your brake fluid, you don’t want to open up the cap unless you plan on replacing the fluid. Opening it up invites moisture to settle inside, and as we already discussed, moisture isn’t something you want in the hydraulic system.

New brake fluid will be clear to a slightly-amber color when you first put it in. If you find your brake fluid has signs of rust or is a darker, dirtier color, it’s time for it to be serviced.

Are there different types of brake fluid?

Because brake function is so important, it stands to reason that there are different types of brake fluid for different levels of performance. Yet you don’t head down to your local auto parts store and find brake fluid brands and types on the shelf in the same manner as motor oil.

The two main types of brake fluid are either a glycol-based or silicon-based.

Glycol-based brake fluids are normally used in vehicles that use anti-lock brakes (ABS). Silicon-based brake fluids work only in cars that don’t have ABS braking system. The two are not interchangeable. You can’t add in silicon-based brake fluid after glycol-based brake fluid has been in the system. Small amounts will always remain, no matter how much you flush the system.

The Department of Transportation has labeled brake fluids as DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5. DOT3 and DOT4 are glycol-based, while DOT5 is silicon-based. DOT3 and DOT4 absorb water. DOT5 doesn’t.

The number indicates the boiling point of the fluid. The higher the number, the better quality and higher chance of withstanding higher temperatures. But that doesn’t mean every vehicle operates better with a higher brake fluid. Check your owner’s manual for details on which brake fluid is best for your car.

It’s also important to note that glycol-based brake fluids eat paint, so it’s important to let a trained mechanic handle brake fluid.

Can I change my car’s brake fluid myself?

By reading this article, you’ve probably determined that brake fluid is more difficult to work with compared to other fluids in your vehicle. It’s not a typical do-it-yourself project. Brake fluid should only be handled by someone with professional training.

Brake fluid is both more complicated and more dangerous to work with than other parts of your car. It’s not as simple as picking up a gallon at your favorite big box store and adding it to the reservoir.

There are two types of brake fluid, and they don’t mix. If you do, you risk damaging your vehicle. That can be an expensive endeavor. It’s important to choose the right fluid based on manufacturers’ guidelines, and placing it into your vehicle in a proper manner.

You’ll also find brake fluid hard to dispose of. It’s both toxic and combustible, so you don’t want to leave it sitting around in your garage. It has specific guidelines for disposal, one that your mechanic has access to and uses every day.

A well-trained mechanic knows the ins and outs of how to handle every aspect of your braking system, including brake fluid maintenance and removal.

To ensure the reliability of your car, and the safety of you and your family, let one of our trained mechanics help you with all of your vehicle’s needs.

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