Tips on maintaining your Car
The Brake System
Many
of today’s cars have disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in back.
And all brakes rely on friction, which is supplied by either a brake pad
or a brake shoe to slow and stop your car. To stop a wheel, a disc
brake uses a caliper fitted with brake pads to grab a spinning disc, or
rotor. A drum brake has a wheel cylinder that pushes a brake shoe
against the inside of a spinning drum.
When brakes need a
mechanic’s attention, they give certain warning signals. For example, a
low or spongy pedal can mean that there’s air in the hydraulic system. A
red brake-warning light that stays on could mean that there’s an
imbalance in your hydraulic system. And while some brake noises are
normal, chirps, continuous squeals and grinding sounds almost always
mean that it’s time for new brake pads or shoes. But anytime you notice
something irregular about your brakes, it’s a good idea to have them
checked out.
Your car’s owner’s manual will provide a maintenance
schedule designed to keep your brakes in good condition. Following it
is the easiest way to avoid expense repairs and the potential for
catastrophic brake failure. But at the very least, you should have your
brakes inspected every year.
Abilene Used Car Sales
