Categories for Brakes

Can Brakes Ever Lose Their Friction?

December 2, 2020 5:39 am | Published by | Leave your thoughts

Can brakes lose their grip? In a word: yes. While many of your car maintenance tasks in New Palestine, IN aim to reduce friction, your brakes are the one place you really need it. Brakes rely on friction to slow your car down and bring it to a stop—but if your brake pads are worn out, they won’t be able to produce the desired effect. This is called “brake fade,” and it’s a dangerous phenomenon. You need to be able to stop in a reasonable amount of time, or risk the safety of everyone on the road with you. Here’s why and how to deal with brakes losing their grip in New Palestine, IN. How brakes get their power Brakes... View Article

Warning Signs That Your Brakes Are Overheating

October 28, 2020 9:45 pm | Published by | Leave your thoughts

Car owners in New Palestine, IN should never underestimate the importance of checking their brakes on a regular basis. Smoke, screeching and fading are all symptoms of brakes that are overheating. However, there are simple ways to protect both your car and your wallet. Keep reading to learn what causes brakes to overheat and puts passengers at risk. Fading brake pads Fading is one of the most common symptoms of brakes that are overheating. This occurs when brake pads fail to provide enough friction on the rotors. Pads that are worn down and incapable of functioning properly are what causes brakes to overheat. Drivers will know this is happening if they have to slam the brake pedal in order to... View Article

Are Drum Brakes as Good as Disc Brakes?

September 11, 2020 11:01 pm | Published by | Leave your thoughts

When it comes to your car’s brakes, reliability and durability are key. For the highest level of safety, you want to choose the best option available. So, which types of brakes are best in New Palestine, IN? Let’s take a look at disc brakes vs. drum brakes to see if there is a clear choice for your vehicle. Drum brakes These brakes are made of a drum, pistons and brake shoes. When you step on the brake pedal, this forces the pistons into the shoes. The shoes then press the drum sides. These drums are rotating next to your vehicle’s wheels, so the pressure they put on the wheels when they are pressed causes friction that stops the wheels’ motion.... View Article

Drum Brakes and Disc Brakes: What to Know About Their Construction and Wear

August 13, 2020 5:21 pm | Published by | Leave your thoughts

There are two types of brakes that show up in most passenger vehicles: drum brakes and disc brakes. Both of these brake types are based on hydraulic pressure—when you apply your foot to the brake pedal, this releases a mechanical force that compresses brake fluid in the master cylinder, creating hydraulic pressure that gets transferred through the brake lines and hoses that connect with brake assemblies at each wheel. At that point, the wheel cylinders convert hydraulic pressure into mechanical force, applying friction against the brake disc or drum to stop your vehicle. But while both types of brakes have the same general operation, there are some key differences that it is important to understand. Here’s what you should know... View Article

Is It Time for Drum Brake Service?

July 28, 2020 10:28 pm | Published by | Leave your thoughts

How do you know if your drum brakes are bad? It’s essential to know the answer to this question so you can keep your vehicle safe and avoid being a danger on the road in New Palestine, IN. Drum brakes give signs that they require service, and when you detect them, it is time to make an appointment at our shop. Here are four signs indicating that the answer to the question, “When do brake drums need replacing?” is “now”: Rough brake pedal feel: Drum brake systems use wheel cylinders to push brake shoes to a brake drum to slow the vehicle. When these shoes and brakes start to wear out, you will feel it in the brake pedal. Normally,... View Article