One of the systems we take for granted when driving is a car’s braking system. The braking system is arguably the most critical safety system in any vehicle today. The braking system comprises various components that must work in sync to slow down or completely stop your car on demand when the brake pedal is depressed.
Most modern vehicles plying the roads today are equipped with disc brakes at the front and rear, with a few having the rear drum brake setup only. Regardless of the configuration, the principle of operation remains pretty much the same. Depressing the brake pedal displaces an incompressible fluid from the brake master cylinder through a circuit to the calipers (or pistons), which presses the brake pads (or brake shoes) against a rotor (or brake drum), using friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Maintaining Your Brake System
A lot is usually demanded from the braking system when you need to slow down or stop your car at a moment’s notice. Therefore, it is vital to periodically inspect and repair the brake system components like the master cylinder, brake pads, caliper, brake line, and brake rotors and ensure they are in working order.
Physical inspection of brake components like brake pads and rotors is vital, as these components deteriorate after a while and will require a replacement. Remember that wear and tear occur to these components due to friction. Routine checks are vital as per your vehicle service manual.
A consequence of an effective braking system is heat, and lots of it when the brakes are in use. This heat over time wears out the efficacy of the brake fluid and will attract moisture. This moisture can corrode the metal components of the braking system, reduce the boiling point of the brake fluid and ultimately reduce the overall effectiveness of your vehicle braking system. Your brake fluid should be inspected as per requirements of your vehicle manual and replaced/flushed when due.
Are you experiencing braking problems in your vehicle? Bring it over urgently to A1 Performance Auto Repair. Our Specialists and technicians will ensure you get the best automotive service experience.
