10 Feb Disc Brakes Maintenance, Service, and Repair
Car disc brakes are a crucial safety feature required for a safe driving experience. Each time you press the brake pedal, you activate a complex system to control your vehicle’s speed and stopping power. Disc brakes maintenance is essential for every driver, including replacing worn brake pads and flushing old brake fluid.
Disc Brakes Maintenance Intervals
Considering all the miles drivers put on their vehicles, scheduling routine disc brake maintenance is wise. Most auto manufacturers recommend having your brakes inspected every 5,000-7,000 miles or 4-6 months, whichever comes first. A brake service will include checking the brake system parts and fluid levels, cleaning, and lubricating when necessary.
Disc Brake Components
The primary purpose of a brake service is to ensure all the components work correctly and your automobile is safe to drive (and stop). Brake components that show excessive wear or damage require repairs or replacement. A qualified service technician can guide you through the options available.
Brake Pads
Brake pads are consumable components that wear down through friction every time you use the brakes. Some brake pads squeal when the wear reaches a specific thickness, signaling it is time for replacement. Pay attention to that sound. If the squeal turns into a grinding noise, you have waited too long, and now your brake pads are rubbing metal to metal.
Calipers
The calipers are like hydraulically driven clamps that press the brake pads against the spinning rotors when you press the brake pedal. This friction causes your vehicle to slow down and stop. Over time, the calipers can rust or get damaged by road debris, which may cause them to stick open or closed. Once this happens, it can change your brakes’ response time and damage your brake pads and rotors.
Discs or Rotors
The rotors are basically spinning metal discs behind your wheels. The brake pads press against it via the calipers to stop your vehicle. When the brake pads are not changed often enough, the rotors can get warped, scratched, or otherwise damaged. A disc brake resurfacing service will remove accumulated surface rust and minor damage from the rotors.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is the literal moving force behind your vehicle’s braking system. As the pressurized fluid moves through the brake lines, it engages all the braking system components. If the brake fluid is low, the braking system can malfunction, so check for leaks. If you cannot find any leaking brake fluid, then one of two possibilities exists. The brake pads require replacement, or the brake fluid is old and needs flushing. Brake fluid is a consumable item, and factors like driving habits, extreme heat, and humidity can influence how often to exchange it. When brake fluid reaches the end of its life, it can be acidic and corrosive, impacting the effectiveness of the components in your brake system.
Brake Fluid Flush
Since brake fluid is hygroscopic (attracts water molecules), it is imperative to stick to routine brake fluid inspections and monitor moisture levels. Most auto manufacturers recommend inspecting your brake fluid once a year, checking for moisture levels. Schedule a brake fluid flush once it reaches 3-4% water content to avoid expensive brake repairs.
Disc Brakes Maintenance, Service, and Repairs
Plymouth Auto and Tire Center specializes in brake maintenance, service, and repairs in Plymouth Meeting, PA. When it is time for your vehicle’s disc brake maintenance, our technicians will gladly check your brake pads, brake fluid, and suggest any necessary repairs.
Make A Disc Brakes Appointment
Call us at (610) 825-6558 or visit us online to make an appointment for brake maintenance.