An inspection of your vehicle's braking system will inevitably be required every so many miles. There are four main components of this system—the master cylinder, calipers, brake pads and rotors. It's a fact of life that any one or more of these components will eventually wear out beyond a simple repair, causing your brakes to lose their ability to stop quickly. At this point, your mechanic will probably recommend a complete brake replacement to keep the vehicle safe on the road.
What are these four components?
- Master Cylinder – Because this component has been refined over the past few years, it should rarely fail. There is however, the chance that an internal leak could occur, causing the brake pedal to slowly sink to the floor when you apply steady pressure with your foot. You will usually see a warning light on the dash to alert you of this problem.
- Brake Pads - Brake pads wear out just with common use and must be replaced periodically. If the pad lining wears down to the metal shoe, the metal-to-metal contact against the rotor will cause severe damage, and result in a loss of braking efficiency.
- Rotors - Disc rotors have a highly machined surface that makes contact with the brake pads. Rotors undergo wear and tear from the daily grind, usually in the form of ridges and groves from the pads rubbing against them. If the rotors are damaged, it is possible to machine and resurface them. However, if the damage is too extensive, and the rotors are too thin, you will likely need to replace both the brake pads and rotors.
- Calipers - The caliper pinches the brake pads onto the disc when you step on the pedal. If the calipers lock up, the pads will wear down to metal and cause damage to the rotor. Or, if the calipers start to leak hydraulic fluid, the pressure needed to press the pads against the rotor is lost, and your brakes will fail.
Learn more about these components so that you can make a knowledgeable decision about brake replacement.
For professional advice on brake replacement, contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, for more information. Our automotive repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
An inspection of your vehicle's braking system will inevitably be required every so many miles. There are four main components of this system—the master cylinder, calipers, brake pads and rotors. It's a fact of life that any one or more of these components will eventually wear out beyond a simple repair, causing your brakes to lose their ability to stop quickly. At this point, your mechanic will probably recommend a complete brake replacement to keep the vehicle safe on the road.
What are these four components?
- Master Cylinder – Because this component has been refined over the past few years, it should rarely fail. There is however, the chance that an internal leak could occur, causing the brake pedal to slowly sink to the floor when you apply steady pressure with your foot. You will usually see a warning light on the dash to alert you of this problem.
- Brake Pads - Brake pads wear out just with common use and must be replaced periodically. If the pad lining wears down to the metal shoe, the metal-to-metal contact against the rotor will cause severe damage, and result in a loss of braking efficiency.
- Rotors - Disc rotors have a highly machined surface that makes contact with the brake pads. Rotors undergo wear and tear from the daily grind, usually in the form of ridges and groves from the pads rubbing against them. If the rotors are damaged, it is possible to machine and resurface them. However, if the damage is too extensive, and the rotors are too thin, you will likely need to replace both the brake pads and rotors.
- Calipers - The caliper pinches the brake pads onto the disc when you step on the pedal. If the calipers lock up, the pads will wear down to metal and cause damage to the rotor. Or, if the calipers start to leak hydraulic fluid, the pressure needed to press the pads against the rotor is lost, and your brakes will fail.
Learn more about these components so that you can make a knowledgeable decision about brake replacement.
For professional advice on brake replacement, contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, for more information. Our automotive repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
