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The 'Brake'down on Car Brakes: How Brakes Work, Common Brake Issues, and Brake Maintenance Tips

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The 'Brake'down on Car Brakes: How Brakes Work, Common Brake Issues, and Brake Maintenance Tips

Your brakes play an important role in safety for you and for others. If you believe something is off about your brakes, you should schedule a service appointment to find out the cause and what type of repair will solve it. Whether you need a brake repair shop in Waco or your brakes are fine and you like to be proactive, it's never a bad idea to learn more about this system, including how brakes work, brake system issues, and brake maintenance tips.

How Do Car Brakes Work?

A car's system turns kinetic energy (created when the engine is running) into heat energy through friction to slow the wheels to a stop.

Most modern vehicles use a hydraulic brake system. In this system, the driver steps on the brake pedal and the force of pushing down is amplified by a part known as the brake booster. This force causes the brake master cylinder to pressurize the brake fluid it houses and release it through the brake lines and hoses. Brake fluid travels to the brake calipers, which create friction by pushing the brake pad against the brake rotor, and wheel cylinders, which create friction by doing the same with the brake shoes against the brake drums. The friction created here generates heat and slows the wheels, allowing the car to come to a stop.

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) will activate as needed to assist drivers when they break too hard. The ABS helps drivers stay in control and prevents skidding. It is a safety feature required on all new manufactured vehicles in the US and has been a requirement since the early 2000s.

What are Examples of Car Brake Issues?

Find a Waco brake repair shop if you notice or experience any of the following:

  • Loose or "Spongy" Brake Pedal
  • Hard to Push or Stiff Brake Pedal
  • Poor Stopping Power / Brake Performance:
  • Strange Noises When Braking

Car Brake Maintenance Tips

Here are some ways you can take good care of your car's brake system:

Schedule Routine Inspections: Ask about a brake inspection whenever you change and rotate your tires
Keep the Brake Fluid Fresh: Recommended replacement intervals can be every year to every couple of years depending on the make and model
Replace Worn Brake Parts Early: If you're told that your brake pads are low or it's time to replace other parts, don't delay
Be Kind to Your Brakes While Driving: Try to avoid trips with lots of stopping areas and don't brake too hard if you can avoid it

Do you need a Waco brake repair shop? Texas Star Tire & Auto Repair is here to assist with all your brake service needs. Our mechanics will locate the cause of any issues and provide repairs to keep your brake system operating like it should. We're also on hand for brake maintenance.

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