If you are an experienced driver, you understand that the braking system is the most important safety feature of your vehicle and that it requires regular maintenance. But do you know the various components that make up the braking system and how they work? Here is a brief explanation to help you understand brakes:
- Vehicles have front and rear brakes.
- The front brakes use rotors (large metal disks) as a braking mechanism.
- The rear brakes may also use rotors, although some manufacturers now use drum brakes. (Check with your mechanic to see what kind of brakes are on your vehicle.)
- Stepping down on the brake pedal engages the brake fluid, pushing it under pressure through a series of tubes to the brakes themselves.
- As the fluid reaches the front tires, the caliper is activated, pushing the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction that slows down the tires.
- As the brake fluid reaches the back tires and enters the wheel cylinder inside the drum, the brake shoes move toward the rotating drum, slowing it to a stop.
So how often should you get your brakes serviced? As you can see above, brakes receive a lot of wear and tear just during normal driving. It is wise to have your brakes inspected about every 10,000 miles, or at every oil change. Your mechanic will then be able to determine how much longer your brakes will last and when the pads, or any other components, should be replaced.
If your technician has determined that you need a brake repair, it could include replacing brake pads, rotors, and/ or the calipers. You can then drive with peace of mind knowing that your brakes have been repaired correctly. Prevention is always the best course of action instead of waiting for an emergency brake repair.
Need to know more about how often should you get your brakes serviced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
If you are an experienced driver, you understand that the braking system is the most important safety feature of your vehicle and that it requires regular maintenance. But do you know the various components that make up the braking system and how they work? Here is a brief explanation to help you understand brakes:
- Vehicles have front and rear brakes.
- The front brakes use rotors (large metal disks) as a braking mechanism.
- The rear brakes may also use rotors, although some manufacturers now use drum brakes. (Check with your mechanic to see what kind of brakes are on your vehicle.)
- Stepping down on the brake pedal engages the brake fluid, pushing it under pressure through a series of tubes to the brakes themselves.
- As the fluid reaches the front tires, the caliper is activated, pushing the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction that slows down the tires.
- As the brake fluid reaches the back tires and enters the wheel cylinder inside the drum, the brake shoes move toward the rotating drum, slowing it to a stop.
So how often should you get your brakes serviced? As you can see above, brakes receive a lot of wear and tear just during normal driving. It is wise to have your brakes inspected about every 10,000 miles, or at every oil change. Your mechanic will then be able to determine how much longer your brakes will last and when the pads, or any other components, should be replaced.
If your technician has determined that you need a brake repair, it could include replacing brake pads, rotors, and/ or the calipers. You can then drive with peace of mind knowing that your brakes have been repaired correctly. Prevention is always the best course of action instead of waiting for an emergency brake repair.
Need to know more about how often should you get your brakes serviced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
