What types of brake systems does my car have?
Your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, which allows you to steer as your brakes are engaged. In addition to this, most cars have two or three types of brake systems. If any of these brake systems are wearing out, it is crucial to bring your car into Fix-It With Fred for an inspection before their condition worsens. These brake systems are:
Disc Brakes - If you look through one of your car's wheels, you will see a shiny metal disc just inside. This is called a disc brake. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, a pad of hard-wearing material clamps onto the brake disc and rubs it to make it slow down—in a similar way to bicycle brakes.
Drum Brakes - Some cars have disc brakes on all four wheels, while others have disc brakes on their front wheels and drum brakes on their back wheels. Instead of the disc and brake block, drum brakes have shoes inside the hollow wheel hub that press outwards. As the shoes push into the wheel, friction slows you down.
Handbrake - Your vehicle's handbrake applies force to the disc and drum brakes in a slower, less forceful way via a lever that's located between your car's two front seats. When you pull on the brake, a system of levers tugs on a pair of sturdy cables that apply the brakes to the back wheels. The handbrake system is completely mechanical and does not use brake fluid like the disk and drum brakes, so it can be used as an emergency brake (with great care) when the other brake systems fail.
What are the different components of my vehicle's brakes?
Here is a comprehensive list of your brake system's components. If you have any questions about these components, feel free to give Fix-It With Fred a call at (330) 477-3733.
Brake calipers: Brake calipers are a clamp that houses the brake fluid, brake pistons, and brake pads or shoes. With good and regular maintenance, brake calipers can last a long time.
Brake pistons: The brake pistons press against the brake pads to create friction on the brake rotors that causes your vehicle to slow down or stop. If your vehicle is leaking brake fluid, it is a sign that your brake pistons need to be replaced.
Brake drums: Brake drums are your vehicle's drum brake system. They are hollow and turn with your vehicle's tires. Brake drums are built with longevity and with proper care, can last for over 100,000 miles.
Brake fluid: Brake fluid activates the brake pistons, which causes your brake pads to slow your vehicle down. If there isn't enough brake fluid, the pistons won't activate properly. We at Fix-It With Fred in Canton, OH recommend getting your brake fluid flushed and replaced every 20,000 miles or two years.
How do I know if I need to bring my vehicle in for brake service or repair?
Taking care of your brakes is crucial to maintaining a safe driving experience for you and your passengers. It is a feature you use everyday, and even a slight change can indicate something is wrong. If your vehicle’s brakes are performing poorly and you are in Canton or Dover, it is imperative that you bring your car in Fix-It With Fred for an inspection. Some warning signs include:
The brake light on your dashboard turns and stays on - If this happens, first make sure your handbrake is not engaged. If your brake light stays on, your vehicle is telling you it is time for an inspection and/or there is a problem with your brakes.
Your car pulls to one side when braking - One brake system may be working more efficiently than the other, causing your vehicle to pull to one side when braking.
Your brake pedal feels soft or spongy - If you notice a difference in the resistance in the brake pedal — it feels “softer,” or sinks all the way to the floor mat when you press on it — it’s a sign you need immediate service. There could be air or moisture in the braking system or a problem with the master cylinder.
Your brakes are squeaking, grinding, or squealing - If you hear a high-pitched noise when applying your brakes, it likely means that your brake pad has worn out. This could also cause a grinding sound; a grinding sound could also indicate a lack of lubrication in vehicles with rear drum brakes.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, do not hesitate to bring your vehicle to Fix-It With Fred in Canton, OH today! We will make sure your shocks and struts work. We can also perform other services you may need, like scheduled maintenance, tune-ups, and engine repair.
Shop for Brake Repair
We recommend that you get your car’s brakes inspected once a year or when you feel that you have worn brakes. If you are in Canton, Dover, Alliance, Louisville or surrounding areas, you can bring your car toFix-It With Free. We've used the highest-quality tools and parts to make the appropriate fixes to ensure you get back on the road quickly and safely.
We will perform a complete brakes diagnostic to determine if the issue is coming from your brake pads, your rotors, your fluid, your master cylinder, or somewhere else. Our brake repair service includes a brake check, brake inspection, brake fluid exchange, and, if needed, a brake pad replacement.
At Fix-It With Fred in Canton, OH, we pride ourselves in providing thorough and transparent assessments of the vehicles we service, so don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle in for an inspection today. If you are in the Canton area or nearby, you can give us a call at (330) 477-3733 or schedule an appointment with us online! Fix-It With Fred.
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