Car Brakes

We all know that pushing down on the brake pedal slows a car to a stop but how does this happen? Clearly, our leg power alone is not strong enough to stop something as big as a fast-moving car, so something must be happening to take the small movement of our foot to generate enough force to stop it.

Car brake systems work on three main principles:

1. Leverage
2. Hydraulics
3. Friction

If you look under your bonnet you will see a reservoir for the brake fluid. If this drops too low it could mean that you have a leak in the hydraulic system. The basic idea behind any hydraulic system is very simple – a force applied at one point is transmitted to another point using an incompressible fluid. Most brake systems also multiply the hydraulic force using servo units.

You press the pedal (leverage), the hydraulic system transmits and multiplies that force to the braking units on the wheels themselves, and friction takes over! This is where much of the real work of your braking system is done. The discs and drums apply a resisting frictional force to the spinning wheels to slow them down, hopefully bringing the car to a smooth stop.

There are some tell-tale signs that may indicate that you need to get your brakes looked at:

• Reduced responsiveness or fading –  If your brakes are not as responsive as they should be or if the pedal feels spongy or sinks towards the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system. One telltale sign of a brake fluid leak is the presence of a small puddle of fluid when the car is parked. Brake fluid looks similar to fresh motor oil, but with a less slimy texture.
• Pulling – If your vehicle “pulls” to one side when you are braking, it may be a sign that a brake calliper or wheel cylinder is seizing up or that brake fluid has leaked onto the brake linings reducing their friction ability.
• Vibration –  A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped brake discs/drums. The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock (ABS) brakes.
• Noise from the wheels when you brake –  Do you have a high-pitched screeching sound when you apply your brakes? This may be a sign that the pads are worn and need replacing.

One exception when it’s normal to hear noise from the wheels is if your car has been sitting after being exposed to water, such as from rain or from washing it. The moisture can cause a thin layer of rust to develop on the brake discs/drums. This is normal. When you first apply the brakes, the pads pressing on the rust-covered rotors may cause a squeal for a few stops until the rust is worn off and then the sound will disappear.

If you have a loud metallic grinding sound it probably means that the pads have been worn down completely, most likely beyond replacement. It usually means that the brake discs/drums will have to be replaced completely.

Maintaining your vehicle’s braking system is something that must not be overlooked. Keeping your brakes properly calibrated and in good working order can prevent costly repairs down the line, as well as contributing to everyone’s safety when you are driving.

If you are worried about any aspects of your car’s braking then contact us now for a professional assessment. This is one area that is simply too important to be left to chance!

The team at Tower Garage (Marlow) want you to have as much reassurance as possible that you and your vehicle are in the best hands in the area. That’s why we work hard to achieve the memberships and affiliations that we’re accredited to; all to give you the peace of mind that comes from their endorsement of our service and workmanship. We’ve been members of the RMI Federation for over 65 years and also work under the watchful eye of the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, Trading Standards, Trust My Garage and the Independent Garage Association.

To find out more about Car Brakes in Marlow, get in touch online or call us directly on 01628 477766