Breaking Down Brakes
All you Need to Know About Brakes
One of the most important safety features of your car is the brakes. Without their stopping power, many more accidents could happen. It’s not unusual to think about only what the brakes do for us. Results do matter! However, there are many parts that keep the brakes working. It’s a complex unit of parts. If one fails, the whole system is in jeopardy. Therefore, we think it’s vital to know what those parts are and what they do. We have put together a guide to understanding your brake system. Check it out below.
Brake Pads
Your vehicle’s stopping power comes from the brake pads. The brake pads supply the friction needed to apply pressure to the rotor, which stops the wheels. There are different types of brake pads. There is non-asbestos organic (NAO). They are made with materials such as rubber and kevlar. They are usually a cheaper option. However, they do wear thin quickly. Another type is semi-metallic. They use metal fibers to craft the pads. The pads also have the best stopping power on the market, but they can be noisy. Lastly, there are ceramic brake pads. They have incredible stopping power without the noise. They are the most expensive types. It is essential to keep your brake pads healthy. Thin brake pads will weaken your brakes’ stopping power.
Brake Calipers
The calipers are attached to each wheel. When you apply the brakes, the calipers squeeze the rotors to slow down the wheel until it stops. Calipers are made of a bracket and pins. Fixing calipers are relatively inexpensive and simple. However, if the calipers have eroded the brake pad, they will need to be replaced.
Brake Rotors
The central component of your braking system is the rotor. The rotor is an iron disc that works with the brake pads to stop your car. When the rotor and brake pad compress together, they create the friction needed for stopping your vehicle. Don’t skimp when it comes to getting new brake rotors. You want the best quality to ensure longevity and safety.
Brake Shoes
Brake shoes are metal plates that are attached to the brake drums. They provide the pressures against the drums that help stop the wheels. Brake shoes are essential to your braking system. It is important to have the replacement every 10 to 50,000 miles, depending on your care. Luckily, they are cheap to replace.
Now that we have unlocked the mystery of the brake system, it’s time to get your brakes checked. Matthey Automotive in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, can handle all brake repairs. We can diagnose your brake issue and recommend the best plan for repair. Don’t leave your brake health up to change!