Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

The Most Common Automotive Brake Problems

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What’s one of the most critical systems in your car? It would be hard to argue against the braking system. Imagine your brakes failing as you’re exiting the highway, or as you’re slowing down to round a corner.

Which is why it’s important to pay attention to the little things your car tries to tell you every time you drive. Many common automotive brake problems can be solved quickly – if you catch them early enough. The more you listen to what your vehicle is telling you, the safer you’ll be.

How to stopThe Most Common Automotive Brake Problems

The art of stopping is based on kinetic energy. Every object on earth has kinetic energy based on its mass and velocity. The object’s mass (weight) determines its velocity (how fast it will go).

To stop, you have to remove the kinetic energy. For you and me, we simply slow down our speed. But for large objects – cars – the braking system is built for the process.

Take a moment to look through your front wheel, you can see a metal disc just inside. Most cars today use what’s called a disc brake system. As you apply pressure to the brake pedal inside your car, a brake pad clamps onto this disc and rubs it to stop the motion. It slows it down depending on the force you apply to the brake action.

Cars not only have a lot of weight, but they can also reach very high speeds. Have you ever hit 70, 80, or more on the highway? Your brakes have to be able to stop quickly even at these speeds without throwing your vehicle into a tailspin. When you hit the brake pedal, all of this energy is immediately transferred to the brake pads. That means these pads have to be able to withstand a lot of heat (950 degrees F or more) and be able to function properly.

For that reason, brake pads are made of materials that won’t melt, such as alloy, ceramics, or other carbon-based materials. Eventually, these pads start to wear down. The thinner they get, the more pressure you have to apply to perform the same function. Until eventually they wear out altogether.

You want to get a full lifespan from the brake pads. You have to parallel that with replacing them before they put you at risk. That’s why it’s important to have a mechanic on your side, who will provide you with honest, accurate feedback on what to expect from your investment.

A lot happens in between installing new brakes and replacing them when they’re worn out. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

What is brake dust, and what causes it?

Have you ever washed your car and noticed gray-black dust covering your wheels? That’s brake dust.

As the brake pads apply pressure to the disc, iron particles slowly grind off. These small iron and metal particles are nothing more than residue from the brake pad material as this process occurs.

Brake dust is not an indication that your brake pads are malfunctioning. Yet it is important to clean brake dust away from your wheels, as it can erode the clear coat of your alloy wheel, which causes more problems to your vehicle.

Fortunately, that’s an easy process. You can purchase wheel cleaner at your local automotive shop. Just use a soft bristle brush and rinse it away.

What is brake fade?

Have you ever pressed down on the brake pedal and it’s felt like the brakes aren’t working? It could be brake fade. There are several reasons this could be happening.

Friction fade occurs when you overuse your brakes. This happens quite frequently here in Colorado because of the Rocky Mountains. As you’re coming down a steep hill, to keep the car from gaining speed, some unsuspecting drivers will put their foot on the brake pedal and keep applying pressure. That constant friction creates enormous amounts of heat. This can cause the brake pad and rotor to stop working.

Older cars might experience brake fluid fade, which is caused by a degradation of brake fluid. Different manufacturers have different requirements on when to replace your brake fluid. If you ignore these guidelines, it begins to absorb water and other debris. That causes the brake fluid to boil at lower temperatures, causing steam to build up in the system. If you’ve ever felt your brakes getting a little “spongy”, this is the cause.

While not one of the most common reasons for brake fading, you can occasionally experience mechanical fade. New brake pads have a resin in them that can break down as it heats. If they weren’t created properly, it may produce a gas that prevents friction between the pad and the disc. This causes the brakes to stop working.

If you experience any of these, it’s important to allow your brakes to cool down. Pull over to the side of the road and give them time to cool. If you’re coming out of the mountains, downshift to lower gears to take the pressure off the brake pads. Do not touch any part of the wheels or brakes – they will be very hot to the touch.

What if my car shakes or has vibrations?

Another common automotive brake problem leaves your vehicle shaking or vibrating.

Have you ever noticed your steering wheel shaking? It could your brake pads are contaminated with dirt, oil, or other substances. It can also occur if your brake pads are warped, damaged, or excessively worn.

It could be your brake disc or rotors are worn down. As the surfaces continue to function and take heat as you brake, they sometimes wear in different ways. That can cause unevenness over the surface areas. When you apply the brakes, the brake pads grab the discs unevenly, and you’ll feel a vibration as you come to a stop.

It could be alignment issues. If your car has experienced damage from potholes, for example, it can impact the way the entire suspension system works. If you feel vibration in the pedal as you press down, it most likely has to do with your alignment.

Lastly, the more wear your entire suspension system has, the more parts could malfunction. Ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rods – there are many possibilities. This is when it’s important to notice when you have most of your problems. If you notice it primarily during turning, it’s your suspension system. If it’s primarily when you brake, it’s your brake pads or rotors.

Is it time for brake repair? 

Have you noticed any of these common automotive brake problems with your vehicle? Maybe it’s time to have a mechanic thoroughly evaluate your car.

Schedule your appointment today and ensure your car is safe for you to drive, and your family to ride in. It will give you peace of mind as you head out and enjoy all the Rocky Mountains has to offer. 

What Happens If Your Brakes Overheat?

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Our modern society can’t survive without driving a car. Eighty-three percent of all Americans drive on a frequent basis. 

Here in Colorado, it’s more than a choice; it’s a necessity. If you want to get to work, school, and enjoy your free time a little bit more, owning a car can get you where you’re going in a fraction of the time. 

Of course, owning a car means certain responsibilities. If you own a car, you have to maintain it, so it becomes reliable whenever you need it. What Happens If Your Brakes Overheat?

Have you noticed the brakes squealing? Or maybe you notice a new smell as your brakes heat up. All of these and more may be a sign that you have a problem with your brakes. 

What happens when you brake?

Most people assume it’s the brakes that stop your car. That isn’t the case. Instead, the brakes are designed to stop the wheels from moving. It’s your wheels slowing down that stops the car. 

Modern disc brakes are a large plate-sized disc attached to each wheel. The clamping of the discs causes friction. This is what slows you down. But this friction also generates heat, and that heat has to go somewhere. Disc brakes are designed to dissipate the heat in different ways. Heat will transfer to the brake pads and the brake fluid. It may have a ventilated core with air ducts that help keep them cool.

The system is designed to work flawlessly … for a while. But like everything, sometimes things don’t happen the way they are intended. 

What happens if brakes overheat?

When you push down on the brake pedal inside your car, your vehicle’s brake pads generate friction. This friction is what slows the car down or brings it to a stop, depending on the level of force. 

This action occurs over and over again as you move through the city. But sometimes as heat builds, there’s too much of it. How do you know if your brakes are overheating?

Your brake pedal feels soft

This is where it helps to pay attention to how your car handles. When you press down on the brake pedal, does it have a “spongy” feel? Over time, water can start accumulating in your car’s brake fluid reservoir. As that heats up from use, it starts to reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. This isn’t always a sign of brakes overheating; it could be several other things. Like damage to the brake line. Or low brake fluid. No matter what the problem, if you notice this “soft” feeling when you tap the brake pedal, it’s best to come in for inspection quickly to avoid the consequences of brake failure. 

Your brake pads smoke and smell

Instead of feeling a problem, you may see or smell it instead. Do you notice smoke coming from the wheels? Or maybe you notice a smell every time you brake? This is your brake system telling you something is wrong. 

When brake pads overheat, they put off a similar scent to burning carpet. Once you smell it, you’ll recognize it every time. This is a sure sign that it’s time for a checkup. 

Your brakes are squealing

You can also hear when brakes are failing. They often make a lot of noise. When the friction from the brake action generates enough heat, the pads start to wear and smooth. As they wear down, the glaze on the pad has more difficulty creating the friction. If you’ve ever thought it sounds like metal on metal, that’s literally the case. Press down on the brake pedal, and you’ll hear it squeak and squeal. That’s a sign it’s time to head in for an inspection. 

What to do when brakes overheat

Because there are many signs of brake failure, think of it as your car’s early warning signs. It’s telling you there’s a big problem; you need to slow down and find a safe place to pull over. Only when you’re in a safe place should you let your brakes cool down and determine if they are safe to drive or you should call for a tow. 

Are there ways to avoid overheating?

While overheating often comes with age, there are other factors that can make it more of a possibility. 

The way you drive

Are you the type who pounds on the brake pedal? Do you roar up to the car in front of you and constantly ride the brakes? You’re more likely to experience overheating. By making your ride smooth and steady, you’ll use your brake pads in a more appropriate manner. You’ll give your brake pads a chance to cool in between your stops and starts. 

The way you use your car

Here in Denver, we have a relatively flat city driving experience. But that changes the moment you head up into the hills. As you drive back down from a weekend of playing, try engine braking instead of riding your brakes. Engine braking means downshifting to let the engine take over the slowing process. This means you won’t have to leave your foot on the brake pedal as you spend minutes – hours – coming down out of the mountains. 

The way you maintain your car

There are two ways to approach vehicle maintenance: routine or emergency. Either way, we’re here for you. Routine maintenance allows you to take charge of how well your car operates. We’ll check everything out on a routine basis to ensure it’s working in its best condition. Emergency maintenance means we’ll replace the brake system after you experience some type of failure. Of course, this isn’t the most desired way, as you never know when that will occur. But in the event something happens, we’re here. 

What happens if your brakes overheat? Your first course of action is to stop and get to safety. But how you proceed depends on your situation. 

We suggest bringing your car in and having a full inspection. Your braking system is one of the most important systems on your vehicle; let’s ensure it’s working safely. 

Have additional questions about your brake system, brake repair, or how well your car is operating? We’re here for you anytime; give us a call and ask. 

Car Brakes 101: How They Work and How To Repair Them

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What’s the most overlooked part of your car? Yep, it’s your car brakes.

You enjoy taking your car to the carwash and driving a sparkling car. You have a little sticker on your windshield, reminding you of the need for oil changes. But car brakes? When was the last time you gave them any thought at all?

Yet they aren’t something you can ignore.Car Brakes 101: How They Work and How To Repair Them

What brakes do

Brakes don’t stop the car. Instead, brakes stop the wheels from turning, which in turn slows down the car and brings it to a stop.

Most modern cars use disc brakes for the stopping process. Disc brakes consist of:

  • Brake discs
  • Calipers
  • Brake pads
  • Brake lines
  • Brake master cylinder

Every wheel has a plate-like disc attached to it. Also called a rotor, this plate is squeezed by the brake pads within the caliper every time you want to slow down.

Brake pads have two layers: a metal backing and a high-friction material molded onto the backing plate with heat and pressure. It’s also coated with an adhesive that helps the brake pad and caliper withstand high temperatures and excessive heat buildup.

What are brake pads made out of?

If you head back in time, the original brake pads that grew in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s were made from asbestos. It was thought to be a great material because of its heat-resistance and durability qualities. However, as health ramifications were discovered, auto manufacturers looked for alternatives to make a safer product.

The organic brake pad was created from a variety of materials and fibers and mixed together with binding resins to hold them together. You might find glass, rubber, carbon, Kevlar, and other fibers mixed in. Because they are inexpensive to create, the majority of new cars are still installed with organic brake pads today. They’re easy on the brake rotors, suitable for all driving environments, and don’t require a lot of heat to generate good friction. That makes them the perfect choice in most conditions.

The metallic brake pads are manufactured with steel, iron, copper, or other metals, added to friction modifiers and fillers to create the final product. Metallic brake pads are thought to be one of the most versatile on the marketplace, being more durable and longer lasting than the organic composition.

You’ll find better braking performance, a wider operating range in heat and cold conditions, a firmer feel in driving conditions, and more resistant in the long term. But because the brake pad is created from metal, it is noisier than other brake choices, and will produce more brake dust.

The newest brake pad on the market is made from ceramic. Ceramic pads are created from a dense ceramic material – think pottery – with copper fibers added during production. They are quieter than metallic brake pads, and produce a finer brake dust which won’t stick to wheels. And because it has the longest lifespan of any brake pad, they can be a great choice if you’re investing in your car for the long term.

What causes brake pads to wear

The biggest enemy to a brake pad is heat. As the brake pad moves against the brake disc, friction occurs, and heat is produced. To remove this heat, a car is designed with several systems to prevent buildup, especially in the front brakes where more action occurs. The brake disc is ventilated to allow cooler air to be pumped in and spread to the outer edges of the disc. The more hot air is kept away from the center, the less likely the disc will “fade.”

Fading is when brakes overheat. If car brakes are continually used while overheated, brake fluid can impact the calipers, which reduces the ability to brake. You may notice this if:

You’ve had to depress the brake pedal farther to the floor

You’ve pushed the brake pedal all the way to the floor without any braking

It takes you more distance to come to a stop

You smell a burning odor during the braking process

Your brakes start smoking or catch fire

This is where higher performing brake pads come into play. While an organic brake pad will provide excellent performance in standard conditions, only you can decide how you drive. If you need better performance, talk with one of our technicians about which option is best for you.

Keep your brake system happy

While it might be a glamorous purchase, brake pads are vitally important to your car’s safety and performance. Of course, so is regular maintenance.

Like an oil change, your brake fluid should be changed regularly too. Brake fluid attracts moisture. And moisture isn’t a good thing for your car’s braking performance.

Moisture reduces brake fluid’s boiling point, which makes it easier for brakes to overheat, especially in summer conditions.

Boiling brake fluid also enhances fading, which means your brakes can fail at the most inopportune time, like driving down long hills. That can be a big problem if you’re coming home after a fun-filled weekend in the mountains.

Moisture also corrodes metal. And since your brake pads are created from metal, it can wear down or even cause your brake pads to cease long before you anticipate.

Your best bet is to replace your brake fluid on a regular basis, according to your car’s manufacturer recommendations, or every couple of years. It’s the perfect way to keep your car happy and running well no matter what type of driving you do.

While brakes may not be the sexiest piece of equipment on your vehicle, they are one of the most important. If you want to keep a well-maintained car ready for all sorts of driving conditions, the best place to start is at the bottom – with your car brakes. Well-maintained car brakes will have better braking capability and keep you and your car’s occupants safe and secure.

And that can be a very good thing, whether you’re driving home from a day of skiing, or heading to work in the middle of the summer. Make the right choice, and your car brakes will be happy for the life of your car.

Brake Rotor Problems

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Brake Rotor ProblemsDisc brakes are called disc brakes because of the big metal disc or rotor that spins with the wheel.  The brake pads rub against the rotor to slow the vehicle.  In technical terms, the motion energy of the moving vehicle is transferred into heat energy by the brakes.  The job of the rotor is to absorb that heat and dissipate it into the atmosphere.  To do that effectively, the rotor needs a certain amount of mass ( measured by the thickness of the rotor) and a good surface to mate with the brake pads.  Let’s talk about those two things.

First is the thickness.  A new rotor is nice and thick and can absorb a lot of heat and dissipate it effectively.  Over time, the rotor will wear away slightly.  If it wears away too much, there isn’t enough metal to take care of the heat transfer and the vehicle will not brake as well.  In fact, each rotor is stamped with the minimum thickness the rotor must have, when the rotor reaches this “discard thickness”, it must be replaced.

The next thing for our consideration is the rotor surface.  This isn’t just about the quality of the rotor’s surface, but also about how evenly the brake pad sweeps the rotor.  Several things can affect the “swept area” of the rotor.  A common problem is a scored or scratched rotor.  When brake pads wear past the point in which they should be replaced, metal parts of the brake can meet the rotors and grind grooves into the rotor.  Imagine putting new brake pads on a scored brake rotor.  The pad would only contact the ridges.  This can significantly reduce the contact area and hurt braking performance.  When a brake rotor has been scored, it may be able to be resurfaced on a brake lathe which smooths the surface.  If the brake rotor isn’t thick enough to be resurfaced, it need to be replaced.

Another common brake rotor problem is something called run out.  This is when the rotor is slightly off axis or crooked, so the brake pads don’t come into contact fully or evenly with the rotor.  Run out is measured in thousandths of an inch, so we are talking about very small variations that can affect braking.  Run out can be caused by a bit of dirt or rust between the brake rotor and the wheel hub, or even by slight variations in the mating surfaces of the brake and hub.  Your technician can determine the cause and take the appropriate measures to restore proper brake pad contact.

When run out isn’t detected and corrected early, the rotor itself can wear unevenly leading to thickness variations.  This condition is called parallelism because the inboard and outboard surfaces of the rotor are not longer parallel.  The variations are small, measured in 10 thousandths of an inch, but they can significantly affect braking performance because of limited brake pad contact.  This condition used to be referred to as “warped” rotors.  If the rotor is still thick enough, the brake technician will correct the underlying run out problem and resurface the rotor to restore the contact surface, but if the rotor is severely worn it must be replaced.

So, if you hear a grinding sound when you brake, or if your pedal feels unusually soft or hard, bring your vehicle in for an inspection.  We can get you the quality parts you need to fix the problem.

Disc Brakes

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Question:  What are the signs that I need a brake job?

Express Car Care Answer:  Signs of brake problems often fall into one of two categories for Denver vehicles:  making noise or a pulsation in the brake pedal.  Why don’t we start with the noise.

Most brake pads have an audible brake wear indicator.  This is a small piece of metal that rubs on your brake rotor when the brake pads are worn to the point that they should be replaced.  The noise is a chirp or soft squeal.  This noise gives drivers enough warning to get their brakes serviced while there is still enough brake pad left to enable them to stop safely.

Any driver who ignores the chirp will find that the sound changes to a grinding noise.  This is more serious.  It means that the friction material on your brake pad is worn away and metal parts of the brake are grinding against the rotor when you press on the brakes.  Obviously, this metal-on-metal means that your brakes aren’t going to stop very well.  It also means that your rotor is being damaged.  It may need to be resurfaced or even replaced if it reaches this point.

Pedal pulsation is another noticeable sound.  When your rotor is not in perfect alignment, it pushes against the brake pads unevenly as you apply the brakes.  There could be a number of reasons for this, the rotor and wheel hub may not be mating well which causes the rotor to spin out of vertical alignment.  This misalignment can be caused by either the rotor or the hub, or a combination of the two.  If this persists, the rotor may even start to wear unevenly to the point that its thickness varies, causing an even more noticeable pulsation.  This uneven mating of the brake pad and the rotor when braking means less contact and a reduced braking power.

Your service center or the team at Express Car Care can determine the cause of the misalignment and remedy the problem.  Either unusual brake noise or pedal pulsation are signs for drivers that they have brake problems.  Drivers should have a tech check their brakes thoroughly and recommend any steps necessary to correct the problem.  A regular brake inspection is on every vehicles recommended list.  Ask your service adviser if it’s time for that very important brake inspection.

Warning Signs You Need New Brakes

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Warning Signs You Need New BrakesThey may not be something we think about very often, but our vehicle’s brakes are one feature that should always be in top working condition.  Let’s look and see how to spot the warning signs you need new brakes.

Look, listen

There are two ways to check for brake wear on disc brakes:  by looking and listening.  First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheels.  The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor.  Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad.  If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.

Have you ever heard a high-pitched screeching sound when you applied your brakes?  That’s a small metal shim, called an indicator, which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads.  You should be aware of this sound (which is loud enough to be heard while the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to be heard over the radio or air conditioner).  If you hear it regularly, quickly make an appointment with your mechanic.

One exception is if your car has been sitting after being exposed to water, such as from rain or from washing it.  The moisture can cause a thin layer of rust to develop on the brake rotors.  This is normal.  When you first apply the brakes, the pads pressing on the rust-covered rotors may cause a squeal for a few stops until the rust is worn off and then the sound should disappear.

Here are some other signs of brake problems.  If you experience any of these, you should visit your repair shop as soon as possible.

Reduced responsiveness or fading.  If your brakes are not as responsive as they should be or if the pedal “sinks” toward the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system.  It could be an air leak…in the brake hose…or a brake fluid leak.  One warning sign of a brake fluid leak is the presence of a small puddle of fluid when the car is parked.  Brake fluid looks similar to fresh motor oil, but with a less “slimy” texture.

 Pulling.  If your vehicle “pulls” to one side while braking, it may be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is foreign matter in the brake fluid.  Your vehicle may need a brake adjustment or to have the fluid drained and replaced.

Grinding or growling.  This loud metallic sound means that you have worn down the pads completely, most likely beyond replacement.  The grinding or growling noise is caused by the two pieces of metal…the disc and the caliper…rubbing together.  This can “score” or scratch your rotors, creating an uneven surface.  If this happens, don’t be surprised if your mechanic tells you that the rotors need to be turned (a process that evens out the rotor surface) or replaced.

Vibration.  A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a warning of warped rotors, but can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment.  The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes.  It is a sign of warped rotors if the vibration occurs during braking situations when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged.  Warped rotors are caused by severe braking for long periods, like driving down a steep mountain or when towing.  Tremendous amounts of friction are created under these condition, heating up the rotors and causing them to warp.  The vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly.  If you drive in these conditions, make sure to stop periodically to allow your brakes to cool off.

For many owners, maintaining the vehicle’s brakes is something that is often overlooked.  But keeping your brakes properly calibrated and in good working order can prevent costly repairs down the road and more importantly, help you avoid a collision.

 

 

Brake Job?

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Brake Job?Question:  What are the signs that I need a brake job?

Express Car Care Answer:  Signs that you need a brake job often fall into one of two categories…making noise or a pulsation in the brake pedal.  Let’s begin with the noise.

Most brake pads have an audible brake wear indicator.  This is a small piece of metal that rubs on your brake rotor when the brake pads are worn to the point they should be replaced.  The noise is a chirp or a soft squeal.  This noise gives drivers enough warning to get their brakes serviced while there is still enough brake pad left to enable them to stop safely.

Drivers who ignore the chirp find that the sound changes to a grinding noise.  This is more serious.  Grinding means that the friction material on your brake pad is worn away and the metal parts of the brake are grinding against the rotor when you press on the brakes.  Obviously, this metal-on-metal means that your brakes aren’t stopping very well.  It also means that your rotor is being damaged.  It may need to be resurfaced or even replaced.

Pedal pulsation is the other sign you might need a brake job.  When your rotor is not in perfect alignment, it pushes against the brake pads unevenly as you apply the brakes.  There could be a number of reasons for this problem.  The rotor and wheel hub may not be mating well, causing the rotor to be spinning out of vertical alignment.  This misalignment can be caused by either the rotor, the hub, or a combination of both.  If this persists, the rotor may start to wear unevenly to the point that its thickness varies, causing an even more noticeable pulsation.  This uneven mating of the brake pad and the rotor when braking means less contact and less braking power.

Either unusual brake noise or pedal pulsation are signs for drivers that there are brake problems and you might need a brake job.  If you’re experiencing either of these signs, have your brakes thoroughly inspected at Express Car Care so we can recommend any steps necessary to correct the problem.

 

Avoiding Brake Failure

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Avoiding Brake FailureNo matter what our plans might be on any given day, no one wants to have them spoiled because our brakes failed and we ended up spending our day in the repair shop, or even worse than that, we end up having an accident because our brakes didn’t work.

If this hasn’t happened to you yet, be thankful, and keep these things in mind so you can keep avoiding brake failure.  The best way to avoid brake failure is by listening to your vehicle and practicing preventative maintenance.  Brakes will squeak, grind and click at different times, listen for when the noise changes so you can have them checked out.  A squeaking noise can indicate thin or worn brake pads.  Replacing brake pads early can prevent future problems.  If pads wear down to the rotors, it can cause further damage and cost more to repair.

Some people make the mistake of thinking that brakes are only one part of their vehicle, but they’re actually a complex system of parts and components that spread throughout the vehicle.  The brake pedal is connected to the pistons, and the pistons are connected to the brakes.  Each vehicle has two sets of brakes, front and rear, and both sets depend on friction to control and stop the vehicle.  There are a few things that can interfere with the friction needed and then your vehicle will have trouble avoiding brake failure.

Oil leaks can remove the friction inside the braking system.  Oil is needed throughout the vehicle to keep it running smoothly.

Also if the brakes routinely overheat, they can create hot spots in the brake rotors or drums.  These hot spots resist friction and reduce the grabbing mechanism in the brake system. The way we drive can cause these hot spots.   Avoid “riding” your brakes.  Apply moderate pressure and then release the brake which allows them to cool.  Riding the brakes causes them to overheat and create the hot spots.

Pay attention to your vehicle’s messages.  You may start hearing squeaking or grinding noises when you apply the brakes, or feel a pulse in your brake pedal.  It may pull to one side or the other during the braking process.  If you want to continue avoiding brake failure, don’t wait or ignore the problem, get it into your auto repair shop today.

 

Power Brakes

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Power BrakesDriving around in traffic can really let you know if your power brakes are doing their job. Basically, the power brake system helps you provide braking power so that you don’t have to do all the work with your brake pedal.

The brakes themselves are applied at the wheel using hydraulic pressure.  When we step on the brake pedal, we create pressure in the power booster that’s multiplied by vacuum from the engine.  The resulting pressure pushes brake fluid through the master cylinder into tubes and hoses that run to the brake at each wheel.

When there’s a problem, it’s usually a fluid leak somewhere along the line.  It could be at a fitting or a hose, or even an internal leak in the master cylinder.  A leak gives the pressurized fluid somewhere to go other than to the power brakes, so stopping power is damaged.  Lose enough fluid and you can’t stop at all, and we all know that’s extremely dangerous.

If you notice any decrease in stopping power or if your pedal seems mushy, you could have a problem.  There are some preventative maintenance items for the power brake system that will help them last longer.  Obviously, you’d want to make sure your brake fluid is filled to the recommended level.  Low fluid in the master cylinder could indicate a leak or worn brake material.  Master cylinder leaks are usually caused by wear, but leaks in the brake lines and connectors can be minimized by replacing the brake fluid from time to time.  Brake fluid has additives that protect against corrosion that can damage brake components.

Brake fluid also attracts moisture which can lead to rust – not a good thing for expensive anti-lock brake components.  Also, significant amounts of water in the brake fluid can affect stopping power because the water has a much lower boiling point than brake fluid.  In the high temperature environment of the brake system, the water can vaporize – and steam doesn’t do a very good job of providing hydraulic pressure.

A final word – make sure you use the recommended type of brake fluid.  There are several kinds and using the wrong one can lead to total brake failure.  Your service adviser at Express Car Care can help, just call or come in and see us.

Brake Service At Express Car Care

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Brake Service At Express Car CareMost drivers know that braking means slowing or stopping a vehicle.  The mechanical aspects of the brakes themselves are just one issue.  There’s also the power brake system and brake fluid.  And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.

Let’s step back.  A car or truck rolls brand new off the showroom floor at a local dealer.  It has brand new brakes with brand new brake pads.  The brake lines and the power assist are filled with fresh fluid and are completely clean inside.  And the vehicle has brand new tires with full tread.  Naturally, braking power is at its peak performance.

But as you drive, the miles start to add up on your car and it no longer operates at peak performance.  Most car owners tend to focus on the brake pads.  In the automotive service community, the pads and shoes on drum brakes are called the friction material.  That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the vehicle.  The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life…it’s not until they are worn so thin that they lose stopping effectiveness.

The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while stopping the vehicle.  Over many miles, these wear and get gummed up.  They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail.  That’s why a regular brake inspection is important.  At Express Car Care, we can test the operation of the brakes and see if any parts need cleaning or in need of brake repair.

That leads us to brake fluid service at Express Car Care.  Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the vehicle fluid system are depleted over time.  That and moisture building up in the system deteriorate the performance of the brake fluid.  Brake fluid replacement at Express Car Care includes flushing the brake system to clean out deposits, water and dirt.  Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.

The tires are what connect the vehicle to the road.  The stopping force is ultimately dependent on the traction provided by the tires.  The better they grip the road, the quicker you’ll stop as you drive.

For questions about brakes, brake pads or tires, talk to an Express Car Care service adviser.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

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