Brake Service & Repairs
Drive Safely to Your Destination and Back Again
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you get the most out of your brakes?
- How to you prevent the “pulsation” sensation that you feel when you reach the bottom of a hill?
- How much do I spend on brake repairs?
- Is there a benefit to purchasing “lifetime warranty” brake?
These are all common and valid questions. First off, some education may be needed to understand when to undergo brake service. Brakes stop the vehicle because the brake pad/shoe contacts the rotor/drum and creates friction. They operate similarly to a bicycle. The more friction the brakes create, the sooner the vehicle stops. When you step on the brake pedal, the pedal pushes hydraulic fluid to each wheel. The hydraulic fluid then pushes a piston or wheel cylinder against the brake lining and in turn against the brake rotor or drum.
When Was the Last Time You Had Your Brakes Checked?
Braking systems on your car or light truck are often overlooked during routine oil change services. At Ootmar Automotive, we recommend that brakes be checked every service, approximately every four to six months, depending on how much you drive.
Symptoms of when brake repair or service is required can be squealing, vibrating, pulling from side to side, hot smells, and low or soft brake pedal, poor holding power on your park brake or high brake pedal effort. There are many systems within the brakes that can wear or malfunction. Such as:
Brake friction material
Brake rotors
Brake anti-lock systems
Park brake systems
Brake frames and calipers
Brake hydraulic hoses and steel lines
Brake hydraulic mast cylinder
Brake control valve or proportioning valves
Act Now
All these systems can greatly be affected by age, miles driven, driver abuse, overus,e or even rust and corrosion. This is particularly true for vehicles driven in heavy winter conditions where roads are salted more frequently.
Your brakes and steering and suspension systems are the most important safety aspects of your car. Take care of them and they will take care of you and your family. So if you’re not sure how your brakes are, have them checked. Don’t wait for them to have a problem. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.