Intro - Cylinders & Sensors - Brakes
A Qualified technician will inspect and service these parts of your brake system
Brake pads and shoes (linings)
Periodic inspections are the only sure way to determine if new linings are necessary, whether or not you heard the audible warnings. Your driving style usually determines when new linings (brake job) are required. Tell your technician or parts store if you normally load-up your vehicle and/or pull a trailer. There is no substitute for quality linings designed to fit both the vehicle and your driving style.
Parking brake
Use the parking brake every time you park the car in order to keep it functioning. Corrosion is the enemy of the parking brake. If you have not regularly used the parking brake, have your technician lubricate the cables and check the adjustment.
Using your brakes properlyThink of your brake system as an extension of your body. If you push on the brake pedal and the car does not respond as expected, you might be in trouble. Learn your vehicle and learn to apply the right amount of brake pedal force for each stop. Be aware of different conditions of loading such as the occasional vacation trip or towing a trailer. Brake fade can happen during high-speed stops, descending long hills or sometimes just trying to stop a loaded vehicle. It is better to apply more brake at the beginning of the stop than later in the stop when fade is starting. When driving on wet or slippery roads, remember that a skidding wheel has less control. Do not apply more brake than you need. If you have ABS, let the system help you. Drive normally, brake normally with the same amount of pedal pressure (do not pump the brakes), and steer as necessary. |
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "