Brakes
You May Need Brake Service If You Experience....
- Grab - brakes that grab with the least amount of pressure
- Soft Pedal - the brake pedal almost touches the floor before activating
- Pull - your vehicle pulls to one side when the brakes are applied
- Vibration - any vibration you feel when the brakes are applied
- Hard Pedal - extreme pressure is needed to make the brakes function
- Noise - some noise is normal, but excessive grinding, squeal, chatter, or screech is a sign of a brake problem
If you experience any of these common warning signs, you may have a serious brake problem.
Understanding Your Braking System
Keeping your braking system in good repair is extremely important for your safety. We take brake repair very seriously. It is our policy to thoroughly inspect your brake system so we can give you an accurate estimate of repairs, which generally includes a test drive and wheel removal to inspect linings, rotors, drums, and the hydraulic system.
At the first sign of brake trouble, you need to take your car to a certified brake specialist. The experienced professionals at Bud & Steve Auto Service have the training to provide high quality brake service, and the knowledge to solve any of the brake problems you might experience with your vehicle.
To protect yourself against serious brake trouble, a routine inspection of your brake system should be scheduled every 8,000 to 10,000 miles.
How Brakes Work
Most vehicles on the road today use hydraulic braking systems, usually with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, connected by a system of tubes and hoses that link the brake at each wheel to the master cylinder. Also connected to the brake system are the parking brakes and the power brake booster.
When you step on the brake pedal, you are actually pushing against a plunger in the master cylinder, which then forces hydraulic oil (brake fluid) through a series of tubes and hoses to the braking unit at each wheel. Since hydraulic fluid cannot be compressed, when pushed through your brake lines it will arrive with the exact same motion and pressure that it started with. Because air can compress, air in your brake lines will cause your brakes to feel "spongy" and will severely reduce your braking ability. We can bleed your brake lines if air has gotten into your system. It is also a good idea to occasionally flush your brake system and replace the brake fluid to insure its purity.
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Other Tips
- Don't "ride the brakes". A slight and constant pressure causes premature wear.
- Don't use your left foot to brake - you're more likely to ride the brakes.
- Consider flushing the hydraulic system to eliminate sediment and residue every two to three years.
