How Your Car Brake System Works – And How to Maintain It

How Your Car Brake System Works – And How to Maintain It

 

Knowing how your braking system works is something that’s important for every driver. Safety should always be a priority when it comes to driving and well-functioning brakes should be at the forefront of every driver’s mind.

 

Read on to learn more about how exactly your braking system works, and some things that each driver can do in order to maintain peak functioning. 

 

Braking Systems 101

 

When it comes to brakes, all modern cars come equipped with hydraulic system operating brakes on all four wheels. Brakes in the front are seen as more important than rear brakes given that during the braking process, weight is shifted towards the front of the vehicle.

 

Because of this, disc brakes are often used in the front due to their efficiency levels. In contrast, drum brakes are generally used on the back wheels. It’s also important to note however that many expensive cars and luxury vehicles employ disc brakes in both the front and rear wheels. 

 

Hydraulic Brakes

 

The main type of brake system in your car is a hydraulic system. This system functions with cylinders connected by brake pipes which receive fluids through the hydraulic brake circuit.

 

When you’re driving and push the brake pedal, this, in turn, causes a pushrod to exert force on the piston in the master cylinder, which then leads to brake fluid flowing into a pressure chamber leading to an increase in pressure of the hydraulic system.

 

The increased pressure forces the fluid through hydraulic lines towards one or more caliper pistons which then apply force to the brake pads of your vehicle. Overall the components of a hydraulic braking system include the brake pedal, brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake boosters, and brake pipelines. 

 

Keys to Brake Maintenance

 

While braking systems are certainly complex and it’s important to not attempt a DIY fix of any issues without previous training, there are a few things that vehicle owners ask for from their ASE certified auto-mechanics to ensure that brakes receive proper maintenance. 

 

Check Brake Pads and Rotors: The placement of your brake pads and rotors between your braking system and tires means that they regularly experience a great deal of friction and this requires frequent maintenance.

 

The regular contacts between your tires and brake pads will generate heat and cause regular wear and tear. If you notice the smell of burning rubber or that you need to press down on your brake harder to achieve results, then it’s definitely time to go get your brake pads and rotors checked out. Be sure to inspect brake pads for depth as well to ensure there will be enough resistance when in use. 

 

Change Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is a crucial element of your braking system because it acts as the go-between when you press your brake pedal and your pads touch the tires. When you step on the pedal, pressure is transferred through your master cylinder, through your brake lines, and into the calipers, which in turn transfer pressure to your brake pads and rotors.

 

If moisture gets into your brake fluid it can lead to corrosion of different metal parts of your braking system and lead to damage. Because of this, it’s crucial that you keep an eye out for a cloudy or opaque quality in your braking fluid; make sure to swap it out every two years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles. 

 

Bleed Your Lines: Another important maintenance process to remember is regular bleeding of brake lines to get rid of excess air. If air is stuck in the brake line, it can throw off pressure balance and lead to inefficiencies.

 

Bleeding the air from the lines should be done every 2 to 3 years, and can be completed during your regularly scheduled maintenance. The bleeding process will depress the brake pedal while adjusting the bleeder valve, and ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible.

 

General Care: Proper brake maintenance also means avoiding situations that can lead to brake deterioration as much as possible. Examples of this include avoid driving in inclement weather like heavy rains and ice, trying not to haul too much weight or cargo regularly, and being careful with your driving to avoid heavy and frequent braking. Limiting these actions will in turn help reduce wear and tear on your brakes.

 

At Fred’s Auto Repair, our expert vehicle technicians will be able to support you with any of your brake system needs. Whether it’s changing brake pads to bleeding your lines, we’ll ensure that your brakes are running safely and efficiently. 

 

Contact us if you have any questions or make an appointment today and let us support you with all of your care service needs.