What is it?
Your car’s brake system is its most critical safety system and you should check
it immediately if you suspect any problems. A properly operating brake system
helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation under a wide variety of
conditions.
What does it do?
When you push the brake pedal, the force generates hydraulic pressure in the
master cylinder. This pressure flows through the hydraulic lines and hoses to
the wheel cylinders and calipers, forcing the shoes against the drums (drum
brakes) and the pads against the rotors (disc brakes). The resulting friction
slows the vehicle and is relative to the amount of force applied at the brake
pedal.
Typical Wear and Tear
Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need replacement. Avoid letting your brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means rotor or drum replacement. Factors that affect wear include driving habits and quality of brake pads and shoes.
Symptoms
- Car pulls to one side during braking
- Pulsating brake pedal or steering wheel shake
- Brake pedal feels “mushy”
- Unusual noise when you step on the brake pedal
- Repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder
- Brake fluid sprayed onto outside of wheel
- Unusual odor or noise