The braking system is probably the most important part of any vehicle, but it’s also one of the most overlooked. For many drivers, the braking system is a simple thing – you press on the pedal, and then the car stops, simple! But inside, there is a complex series of processes that are taking place to make your vehicle stop, and a problem with just one of these could put you and your family in danger. At JD’s Auto Repair, we want to highlight the importance of keeping your braking system well maintained and give you a little more insight into how you can do just that.
How does the braking system work?
Most cars out there use a hydraulic braking system that operates on all four wheels. When you push down on the brake pedal, the piston in the master cylinder forces fluid along pipes to each wheel’s slave cylinder, which in turn presses the brake pad against the brake disc. When each slave cylinder is filled with fluid, they force the pistons out which applies the brakes. Crucially, the combined surface area of the slave pistons is much larger than that of the master piston, meaning the master piston needs to travel several inches while each of the slave pistons only travels a fraction of an inch. This means a greater force can be exerted on the brake discs, similar to how a long-handled lever can easily lift a heavy object a small distance.
Using a mechanic to check your brake system
Checking and fixing brake systems is not that complex a job for many mechanics, and many DIY car owners fix these problems themselves. However, we would strongly recommend against this! When you attempt to fix your brake system, you’re also taking a great risk because there may be small details you miss that could have major consequences. We’d recommend finding a certified mechanic to work on your vehicle. This way, you can be assured that whoever is checking or fixing your brake system is a trained professional who knows what warning signs to look out for. At JD’s Auto Repair, all of our mechanics are fully certified experts, so you can be sure your vehicle – and therefore your life – is in safe hands!
What needs to be done?
The regular type of brake system maintenance includes changing the brake pads and calipers, checking and refilling brake fluid, checking for damage to the brake lines and cables, and cleaning the brake system to ensure the pistons don’t get filled with a buildup of dirt and grime. This might sound like a lot, but regular checks will ensure the mechanics can catch any problems while they’re still minor, before they turn into major hazards. This method will also save you money in the long-run as any potentially expensive problems will be caught early!
When it comes to the safety of you and your family, there’s nothing more important than ensuring the braking system of your car is in good working order. Using certified mechanics and having your vehicle regularly checked will keep your car stopping how it should, giving you the control you need on the road to stay safe! If you’re looking for somewhere to get your vehicle’s brakes checked, look no further than JD’s Auto Repair. Every year, we undertake hundreds of safety checks on vehicles, so our dedicated staff are real experts at keeping people safe on the road! Visit our website, give us a call, or head down to our workshop for more information and a free assessment and quote!
