All posts tagged brakes

Taking Care of Your Car’s Brake and Clutch Plates Is Now Easy! Brake and Clutch Service Specialist!

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/11/24 in Brakes with Comments Off on Taking Care of Your Car’s Brake and Clutch Plates Is Now Easy! Brake and Clutch Service Specialist!

When you own a car, you know there are certain responsibilities which come with it. Like it is your baby and you have to look after it. You need to give your car time, regularly take it for a ride, feed it with petrol and take it for regular checkups to its doctor which is a car mechanic.

The most important part of a car which is usually ignored by the users is the brake.

  • It is the most important part of the car which helps the car to stop at the time it is applied without making any damage to the car.
  • It also helps in stopping the damage and the wear and tear of the car.
  • This, in turn, helps the car by not having to manage the car more frequently and thereby reducing the service costs and the time of the owner.
  • Cars nowadays come with hydraulic braking systems and automatic braking system which are needed to be serviced properly.

Another Part Which Comes in The Same Way the Brake Works It the Clutch of The Car

  • The clutch is always used while the gear is shifted. If you have a manual car, it comes with a clutch.
  • The clutch has 2 parts- a pressure plate and a friction plate. The pressure plate is connected to the gear.
  • Gear shifting mechanism is always connected to the clutch.
  • If the clutch is not maintained properly or if it is not working perfectly then it can cause problems during the gear shifting thereby resulting in the car breakdown.
  • So, the clutch along with the gear needs to be serviced regularly and checked for problems as they can result fatally if they happen while you are driving at high speeds.

Why Hiring a Specialist Helps?

  • A brake and clutch service specialist, when hired, can keep your car working without any hiccups and delays.
  • The brake and clutch service specialist can keep your car in excellent condition at all times.
  • Hiring a mechanic who is not known for the brake and clutch service cannot know all the problems associated with the brakes and clutch in the car.
  • He can many times ignore things which a specialist would keep at the top priority.
  • The brake and clutch service specialist, therefore, knows the problems and treats them accordingly.
  • So, you should not think twice about consulting a brake and clutch and service specialist for your car as it can be useful for you in the long run.
  • The car can increase its durability when it is serviced regularly and service by specialized people.
  • Also, each car is different and has different and has different brake types. Just because your neighbor’s car has not given him any extra service does not mean your car would do the same.

Cost

  • You should not always look at the cost of the service as these problems if ignored, can turn into bigger problems for you in the future. These problems can, later on, cost you a bomb.
  • So always remember to do first things first and not delay the service for later.
  • Also, the fuel prices are always moving up and regular maintenance of the vehicle can only give you a feeling of thankfulness. This can only be done if you maintain your vehicle regularly and show it to a specialist who can look after it.

A well-maintained vehicle can also give you high resale value compared to same vehicles maintained poorly.
You can find a brake and clutch service specialist anywhere on the internet or you can ask your friends if they know any specialists in the area who would be happy to help you.

Numerous Benefits Associate with Checking Your Vehicle Brakes

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/11/02 in Brakes with Comments Off on Numerous Benefits Associate with Checking Your Vehicle Brakes

Brakes are the lifeline of your car. Brake repairs need to be done on a regular basis to ensure the safety of your car. Regular maintenance along with upkeep of the same is an important measure that you can take. The confidence should be within you that the brakes are in perfect condition and the vehicle is not going to stop.

It is perhaps the most important safety gadget of your car which tends to get used on a regular basis. Normally in any automobile there are two types of brakes, the standard coupled with ABS.

Why regular maintenance of your brake is necessary?

It is a hassle to encounter any form of trouble when you are at the auto shop or have an urgent task at hand. These types of incidents could be avoided if regular maintenance of your car is undertaken. It reduces the chances of being stuck in untoward situations. In terms of maintenance it would involve a basic check for removal or a complete overhaul of your car.

  • There are important maintenance measures which are advocated at your end. You would need to take your car regularly to an auto centre to get it checked for brake repairs.
  • First and foremost, you would need to get your engine checked. It is the heart of your car and when it is bust it is virtually useless. When you have your engine serviced regularly it means that the car is working regularly and the speed is intact.
  • It is important that you pay attention to car transmission; otherwise you might be stuck under the hot sun.

As part of the car maintenance, checking the brakes is also important. In fact, brake repairs should be undertaken on a periodical basis. It is suggested that you get in touch with a professional mechanic to get the brakes of your car checked. The maintenance of the brakes is primarily important from the safety perspective. Soft brake pedals could be caused if the fluid levels tend to be low. In the meantime, if the brake pads are dirty it would cause the brake to squeak. Regular checking of it is important because it can prevent it from happening and the chances of accidents reduce considerably.

When to figure out that the brake pads need replacement?

  • Time and again it has been stressed that brake repairs need to be done to ensure there is safety. If the brakes are safe each person in the vehicle is safe. So, it becomes prudent to ensure that the brakes are in prime condition all the time.
  • The first important point that the brake needs replacement is when you hear a tweaking sound. It could be normal in certain conditions like rain, but when it is the same for each and every weather condition there is a problem. If the brakes are squeezing on a persistent basis, then it is high time that you get your brakes checked by a professional.
  • Another important sign where your brake needs replacement is when the indicator lights are on. In certain models of cars there is a sensor button on the brakes which blinks and indicates that the brakes have worn down. Get in touch with a professional to examine them and seek their recommendation on what is the best course of action for brake repairs.

The vibrating brake pedal is also a warning sign where your brake needs replacement. If it is a challenge to stop your car with the current brake and there is a vibrating sound, then go in for a replacement on an immediate basis. The message for brake repairs is loud and clear that get your car checked.

Quick Guide to Changing Your Own Brake Pads at Home

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/05/23 in Brakes with Comments Off on Quick Guide to Changing Your Own Brake Pads at Home

Brake pads are one of the most important components of any car. They are responsible for keeping the vehicle safe when stopping and have probably saved you from many near accidents. These pads also wear down over time due to friction and changing them is actually something you can do yourself with a little patience. Here is a quick guide to changing your own brake pads at home.

Remove the Tires

Go around the outside of the tires and loosen all the lug nuts. Use a jack to lift the car up to a comfortable level before removing them. Turn the wheel to angle the tires into an accessible position and remove the lug nuts and the tire. Do this one side at a time for convenience.

Remove the Caliper

The caliper is the large metal piece clamped to the rotor. There are two to four bolts on the backside of it. Remove them with a socket wrench and use a spray lubricant to loosen the bolts if they are stuck. Some foreign cars have a sliding caliper, meaning you will only need to remove two bolts on the front. Hang the caliper carefully to the side.

Replace the Brake Pads

The brake pad is held in place by strong metal clips. Work the pad until you can slide it out to the side. Take a moment to examine the rotor. If you see any problems, cannot remove the pad, or notice warping, then you should take the car to an auto service center for further repairs. If everything is fine, then slide the new brake pad into position.

Reattach the Caliper and Tire

Place the caliper back over the rotor disc just as it was before. Use the socket wrench to reattach the bolts in the same order. Check that everything is tight and in place according to manufacturer specifications. Place the tire back over the rotor and put the lug nuts on. Be certain to do all four tires at this point before moving on.

Check the Brake Fluid and Test the Brakes

Check that your brake fluid levels are fine, and add more if necessary. Get into the car and pump the brakes about two dozen times. Start the car and drive at around 5 miles per hour. Test the brakes repeatedly to ensure that they work. If anything seems wrong, then take the car to a professional for service. Places like Evans Tire & Service Centers even offer coupons and discounts on certain brake services.

Being able to change your own brake pads can help to cut down on the number of trips to a mechanic you make every year. The job takes about an hour, although that time will shorten as you get more proficient. Changing brake pads at home is a very valuable skill to learn so get started today.

Brake Signs: Six Ways to Know It’s Time to Fix Your Brakes

by Kara Masterson on 2014/06/30 in Brakes with Comments Off on Brake Signs: Six Ways to Know It’s Time to Fix Your Brakes

Besides being a safety hazard, bad brakes can result in costly repairs if you let the problem go unresolved for too long. Identifying a brake problem early can save you a lot of money on future repairs. The following signs could indicate the need for brake repair or replacement.

The Tell-Tale Grind

Noise is the most obvious sign that something’s amiss with your brakes. Whether it’s a grinding or a clicking sound when you come to a full stop, mysterious sounds almost always spell trouble. Inspect your rotors for deep grooves that typically indicate the need for new pads.

Longer Braking Distances

Another dead giveaway that your brakes are failing is increased braking distance. Even if you don’t hear any weird noises, a car that takes longer than usual to stop under normal circumstances probably needs new pads at a minimum. You may need to swap out rotors as well.

Increased Pedal Travel

If your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor or nearly there when you’re stopping, there’s a good chance that you have a hydraulic problem. This could mean that you’ve got air in the brake lines or that your car is low on brake fluid.

Shaky Stops

A car that shakes when coming to a stop probably has one or more rotors that are warped from excessive heat or improper installation. It might also indicate the need for new brake pads. A pulsating sensation when you hit the brake pedal with moderate force should be investigated.

Lazy Acceleration

If your vehicle feels like it’s being held back when accelerating and it’s not the engine, it could mean that your brakes are responsible. Possible explanations include brake shoes that need to be adjusted or stuck calipers. Regardless of the cause, it’s time for brake repair.

Pulling to One Side

Pulling to one side in a noticeable fashion could be the result of uneven wear on brake pads. Poor alignment, unevenly inflated tires and suspension issues could also be the culprits. If your car is pulling and you suspect the brakes, look for uneven pad or rotor wear.

The need for brake work can be the result of a number of causal factors that are sometimes difficult to diagnose. If you know what to look for, you can save a lot of cash by having your particular brake problems addressed early by a mechanic.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

Stop Right There – All about Brakes

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/04/09 in Brakes with Comments Off on Stop Right There – All about Brakes

When it comes to safety and security on the road, nothing trumps your car’s braking system. However, despite its importance, few people really understand their braking system. Do you have disc brakes on all four wheels? Do you have ABS? Do you have drums on the rear? Do you know what those terms mean? Chances are you may have some passing familiarity with brakes, but you may not know the full story. Read on to learn more.

Brakes, Brakes and More Brakes

When it comes to braking systems, there are several solutions used by automakers. These include both disc and drum brakes.

Disc – Disc brakes are probably those you’re most familiar with. These systems use a disc-shaped rotor (hence the name), in conjunction with a caliper and brake pads. Disc brakes can be found on just the front wheels of cars or on all four wheels.

Drums – Once upon a time, drum brakes were the only option out there, but that changed some time ago. This really is older technology, but it’s still around today. You’ll find drum brakes in use on a wide range of vehicles, mostly on the rear wheels. Cars, trucks and vans can (and usually do) have drums in the rear and disc brakes on the front, unless the vehicle is noted as having 4-wheel disc brakes. Drums are very different from disc systems, and use a metal drum and brake shoes rather than a rotor and brake pads (the shoes push on the inside of the drum to slow the car).

ABS – ABS is not technically a standalone braking system. It stands for anti-lock brakes, and is a system designed to prevent wheel lockups from happening. For instance, if you’re driving down the interstate and have to slam on your brakes, the ABS system will keep your wheels turning, rather than allowing them to lock up and your car to skid. ABS is essentially a safety system. They’re found on disc brake systems, but that doesn’t mean that just because a car has disc brakes, it has ABS – the two are not mutually exclusive and you’ll find both ABS-enabled disc brakes and non-ABS systems on new cars rolling off the assembly line today.

How to Spot Wear

Spotting wear on your brakes can be tough to do (it’s impossible on drum brakes without taking the drum apart, by the way). For disc brakes, the best way to check your brake wear is to use a flashlight to gauge the pad thickness remaining by looking through the spokes of the wheel. It’s easier if you have the wheel off, though. You can also look for signs of wear on the rotors. Visible grooves are a definite sign of serious wear. Perhaps the simplest way to keep an eye on your brake wear is to have them inspected at every oil change and tire rotation – the mechanic should not charge for a simple brake inspection.

Change Them Yourself

If you’re a bit frugal and find that you need to change your brakes, doing it yourself can be a wise move. Most mechanic shops are going to charge much more than the price of the replacement pads, but if you have a little bit of extra time and a few basic tools, you can usually do this on your own at home.

Make sure you have a set of jack stands and tire chocks, though. You’ll also need a little bit of basic knowhow. As a note, if you have never changed brake pads before or don’t have access to a manual, doing it on your own might not be a good idea.

Your brakes are vital to road safety – make sure they’re in good condition at all times.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore.com, a company selling auto mats throughout the nation. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats.