The Components of Your Car’s Brake System
The Components of Your Car’s Brake System
A Look at the Components of Brakes
The Main Components of a Car’s Brake System
Brakes are incredibly crucial in everyday driving, so it’s critical that you pay attention to how effectively they operate. When your brakes and rotors begin to wear down, your vehicle’s stopping capabilities are in jeopardy.
Know how your car’s internal systems work and when it’s time to take it to the mechanic. Let’s take a look at the main components involved in your brake system so that you can better understand what to expect the next time you take your vehicle in for brake repair.
If your vehicle is beginning to show signs of needing brake repair, give us a call at Mid-State Transmission & Auto Repair. Visit us in Normal, IL, and allow our certified mechanics to get you back on the road.
A Quick Look at Brake System Components
Here is a quick look at the main components that make up your brake system:
Master Cylinder
The master cylinder is on the vehicle’s firewall, which is the wall that separates the engine from the cab and is in charge of the complete brake system’s power. The master cylinder transfers hydraulic fluid through the brake lines when the driver applies pressure to the brake pedal. When activated by hydraulic power, the brake pistons, in turn, cause the vehicle to slow down or come to a complete stop.
Brake Lines
Brake lines, often constructed of steel, transport brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to the wheels through a network of brake lines where pressure exerts to stop the car.
Brake Caliper
The brake caliper’s design accommodates all of the brake system’s mechanical components. The brake piston, brake pads, and brake rotors are all found inside the brake caliper. When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake calipers compress the brake pads, forcing them into contact with the rotating rotor, slowing and stopping the vehicle. If a car’s brakes aren’t working correctly, a brake repair technician may need to inspect the brake caliper to fix the problem.
Brake Pads
When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads activate, causing the master cylinder to supply fluid to the calipers on each wheel. The fluid forces the calipers to squeeze the pads onto the rotor.
The brake pads are the ones that make contact with the drums or rotors and are built of composite materials, and normally survive thousands of miles. However, brake pads ultimately wear down and squeak or screech as they strike the rotor, which means they should be replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles, on average.
Brake Rotors
The brake rotor makes contact with the brake pads and slows the axle, forcing the wheels to come to a halt. Brake rotors are directly attached to a car’s wheels. If you are experiencing difficulties decelerating, it could be due to warped rotors. You will likely hear grinding noises when braking.
Brake Repair You Can Count On
Suppose you’re having difficulties stopping your car. In that case, it is imperative to take it to an auto repair shop for a thorough examination.
At Mid-State Transmission & Auto Repair in Normal, IL, we provide professional brake repair for cars, trucks, and SUVs of all makes and models. We want to make sure you can stop your vehicle quickly and safely. Our experts and service consultants will work with you to determine the best brake maintenance services for your car.
Give us a call or stop by today to schedule your next brake maintenance service appointment and find out why we’re the area’s most trusted brake repair specialists.