Understanding Why Brake Systems Fail

Your braking system is undoubtedly one of the most crucial components of your vehicle. Without properly functioning brakes, you’re a hazard to yourself and everyone else out on the road. Your braking system is made up of a number of different components that all have to work in harmony to ensure you can slow down and come to a full stop when needed. The following information from an automotive repair shop in Madison, TN will teach you why you need to know about braking systems and why they fail:

• Fluid leaks: Brake fluid is responsible for making the different components of your brake system work together. Without this fluid, your brakes wouldn’t respond when you press the pedal. Your brake fluid operates under high pressure, and if there’s any sort of leak in the line, the fluid is going to be ineffective. If you notice any fluid leaks under your vehicle, we recommend bringing your car to a mechanic for an inspection. We’ll be able to tell whether or not that leak is brake fluid and address the issue.
• Thin brake pads: Your brake pads are responsible for applying friction to your wheels, which eventually slows your car down. Over time, these pads wear down and become thin. As you can probably imagine, thin brake pads aren’t as good at creating friction, which means they’re less effective. Listen for any grinding noises when you apply the brake. This is a sign that your pads are thin and need to be replaced.
• Grease or oil: Slick fluids like grease and oil are invaluable at keeping the internal workings of your vehicle running smoothly, but when those fluids stick to your brake pads, you have a problem. Any grease or oil makes it much harder for your brake pads to do their job and create friction. If this is the case, you could wind up sliding down the road even though your foot is on the brake.

Signs your brakes are failing

The good news is that brakes usually don’t just stop working all of a sudden. The first sign that your brakes are going out is if you try to press your foot on the brake pedal and it’s not as responsive as they used to be. This reaction could be because your brake pads are wearing down or there’s some kind of issue with your brake fluid. In either scenario, you should have your brakes inspected by a pro. Brakes that are on their way out will also make a strange squealing or grinding noise when you try to slow down. Don’t ignore these sounds—instead, bring your car to a mechanic to have your brakes inspected right away.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or if it’s been a while since your brakes were inspected, bring your car to an brake repair shop in Madison, TN today. The longer you wait to have them checked, the more expensive repairs will be and the bigger a danger you will be out on the road.

Categorised in: Auto Repair Shop

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