Author : Everette Jamison

It doesn't take a genius to figure why your brakes are such an important component in the design and functionality of your vehicle Even though they're built to take a substantial amount of abuse, they are not invincible They sustain a significant amount of wear and tear over time At some point, they'll need to be serviced (or replaced) The problem is that the longer you wait, the more you're putting yourself - and your wallet - at risk

Back To Fundamentals

Without getting into too much detail, you should know that there are different types of brake systems found in the various cars flying up and down the street The most common configuration uses discs in the front and drums in the rear When they're working properly, they'll slow down and eventually stop your car by using friction

In contrast to the engine, which requires constant lubrication to maintain optimal performance, the brakes actually need to be kept relatively dry In the front, the friction causes the calipers and pads to stop In the rear, the friction hits the drums and shoes The friction is the essential ingredient that works to slow down your car

The Root Of The Problem

There are several potential circumstances that can impede the friction and can potentially lead to serious braking problems For example, if grease or oil from your vehicle makes its way to the brakes, they can eventually fail Also, if they overheat to such a degree that the metal in the rotors or drums begin to develop hard spots, these spots can resist the friction, potentially leading to failure If the pads are left neglected, they will eventually wear so thin that they expose the rotors and cause a grinding sound when you're braking

When Do They Need Servicing?

Some cars are equipped with sensors that monitor the condition of your braking system If they're wearing down to the point that they need to be replaced, a light will display on your dash If your car doesn't have that feature, there are other ways to identify whether there's a problem

For example, take note of a pulsing sensation when you're braking Also, you might hear a squealing sound when you're trying to slow down The squealing doesn't necessarily mean that you need to have your brakes replaced But, you should ask your mechanic to inspect them Lastly, if you notice a grinding sound, you need to have them serviced as soon as possible In fact, you should have had your mechanic look at them prior to that point

Ensuring Your Safety

In the end, your brakes are one of the most important components to preserving your safety and that of your passengers If you notice any problems such as squealing, pulsing, or grinding, have them checked If you wait too long to have them serviced, your mechanic may need to replace the entire system I realize that we've only covered the basics here But, this article is mainly targeted to those people who aren't car enthusiasts

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