Brakes
What’s stopping you from hitting that car?
You car’s relationship with the road is a sticky situation that depends on two things – your tires and your brakes; if either one fails, you cannot stop as quickly as you may need to. In order to keep you stopping or turning safely, your car should have the braking system looked at on a regular basis. While there may be an occasional squeak, squeal, or screech, your brake system should not ever have a grinding sound, nor should it pull to one side or the other under normal conditions.
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What are anti-lock brakes?
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) of your car connects each of the brakes to a computer that can sense when the wheel stops turning. Then a wheel stops turning – or “locks up” – it skids, and removes any ability for your vehicle to gain traction from that tire. By letting the brakes go for that specific wheel – all controlled by the computer – the car can regain the ability to steer and to brake in a controlled manner. With the computer doing all the work, drivers no longer need to pump the brakes, which actually reduces the effectiveness of an ABS system. When driving a vehicle with ABS brakes, you may feel pulsing of the pedal when applying the brakes, but don’t be alarmed – the system is just doing what it was designed to do, so keep your foot on the brake.
The importance of brake service
Brakes work by friction – the brake pads tighten against the brake rotors which are attached to the wheels and axels – and as a result will eventually wear down as the moving parts rub against each other. In addition, great amounts of heat are created and eventually shorten the life of the braking system. In addition, the complete system from the computer (ECU, or electronic control unit) through the pump that pushes hydraulic brake fluid through the lines to the brakes, are integral to stopping your vehicle and should be inspected on a regular basis.
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Tires
Oil Change
