An Overview Of Your Car’s Brakes And Problems You May Experience With Them

Most vehicles today are equipped with disc brakes installed at the front and rear wheels (some cars have drums installed in the rear). Hydraulic fluid is delivered to each wheel from a master cylinder. This component is located in front of the driver’s foot within the engine compartment. It consists of a reservoir and a small piston. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, a plunger transmits the force to the reservoir. Because the fluid contained within the master cylinder cannot be compressed, it is forced to move through a series of hoses to your vehicle’s wheels.

The brake installed at each wheel consists of a caliper, piston, rotor, and a set of two brake pads. The hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder arrives at the caliper, and causes the piston to press the pads against the rotor. The friction generates heat, and causes your vehicle to slow down.

To understand the problems your braking system might develop, it is important to be familiar with its operation. With this in mind, we’ll describe the most common issues you’ll experience. We’ll also provide a few tips for making your brakes last as long as possible.

Common Signs Of Brake Problems

Several clues suggest there’s a problem in your braking system, regardless of whether you are able to slow your vehicle. For example, the pedal might be positioned lower to the floorboard than normal (an indication of a fluid leak). Or, the pedal may sink to the floorboard while your car is idling (a sign of a leak in the master cylinder). You might also notice the pedal feels spongy (this usually means air has gotten into the lines).

Another problem many drivers report is a pulsing sensation when they apply their brakes. This typically means a rotor has become warped; its surface is uneven. The most common issues drivers experience are squealing and grinding. The former suggests the pads are worn. The latter means the pads are completely gone, and metal is now scraping metal.

When The Pads Wear Down

As mentioned earlier, each caliper is equipped with a set of two pads. The pads consist of a metal portion, and a wearable portion (that is, it wears down with use). A metal tab is built into the wearable material to alert the driver that replacements are necessary. When the pads wear down to the metal tab, the tab rubs against the rotor and produces a squeal.

The replacement interval for brake pads varies depending on your driving habits, the quality of the pads, and the condition of your braking system. They might last as little as 20,000 miles, or as much as 60,000 miles. The important thing is to replace them before they damage your rotors.

When The Rotors Become Warped

Rotors may warp as the result of normal wear and tear, excess heat, and even exposure to moisture. When warping occurs, the component must be removed, set in a lathe, and resurfaced in order to restore its smoothness. The challenge with resurfacing rotors is that only a small bit of the braking surface can be “shaved off” before they become unusable. Unfortunately, a lot of mechanics accidentally remove too much of the surface. In such cases, a replacement is necessary (and expensive).

Making Your Brake System Last

Prolonging the life of your brakes involves inspecting them on a regular basis and developing good driving habits. First, if you hear uncharacteristic squealing, there’s a good chance the metal tab in one of the pads is rubbing against the rotor. Have the pads replaced. Second, if the rotors need to be resurfaced, make sure the mechanic tightens the lug nuts evenly when he reinstalls them. Otherwise, the rotor will warp again.

Also, while driving, keep sufficient space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid riding your brakes. This is one of the most common reasons brake pads wear down prematurely.

Your brakes are arguably the most important safety system installed in your vehicle. Learn to recognize problems when they surface so you can address them as quickly as possible.

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