Brake Service And Inspections in Eugene, Oregon
Brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. Malfunctioning brakes can never be ignored. And even if you do not feel like your brakes are in bad shape, it is important to have your brakes inspected periodically. Oftentimes deferred brake maintenance can manifest as catastrophic failure. Do not let this happen to you. Call Jackson’s Auto Care in Eugene, Oregon today to schedule your brake service or inspection.
The Components of An Automotive Braking System
To understand what might be happening to effect the performance of your brakes, it can be helpful to understand the components of an automotive braking system. Knowledge of the parts of your braking system and the way they might be failing can help you guide your technician toward a solution to your brake problems.
ROTORS, PADS, & CALIPERS
Automotive braking systems work by transforming the energy of your vehicle’s momentum into heat energy. On vehicles equipped with disc brakes, a round piece of metal attached to each of your wheels called a rotor acts as a sink where this heat can go to be radiated out into the atmosphere.
The heat is generated by the spinning rotors making contact with the stationary pads. The pads are held against one or more pistons within a housing called a caliper, usually by a pin. When the driver compresses the brake pedal, pressurized fluid causes the pistons to move against the pad, pushing them onto the surface of the rotor.
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In order to do its job, the rotors must be able to both accumulate and dissipate heat rapidly. There are several problems that can effect the rotor’s ability to perform this function. Cracks, warping, and other problems drastically diminish your stopping power by preventing your rotors from effectively doing what they are designed for.
Brake pads are a wear part. This means they are designed to be replaced periodically. Every time the pads contact the rotor, they lose tiny amounts of material. Overly worn brake pads cease to create the friction necessary to safely and smoothly stop the car. They can even twist within the brake caliper, causing at best a shower of sparks and at worse total failure.
Brake Booster & Brake Master Cylinder
There are two other important components of automotive braking systems. Malfunctions in these other systems can cause problems just as severe as problems caused by malfunctioning brakes, calipers, and rotors.
The brake booster uses vacuum assist to help you push down the brake pedal. Without it, it would be very hard to operate the brakes at all.
The brake master cylinder is the pump that sends brake fluid down to the calipers when the brake pedal is depressed. After pads, rotors, and calipers, master cylinder malfunctions are the next most common brake problem.
All Your Brake Needs, All in One Place
At Jackson’s Auto Care, we know all about brakes. If you are having brake problems or just haven’t had your brakes inspected in a while, give us a call. We’ll take good care of you.
Here are some of the services we offer at our AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility:
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