Disc Brakes—Take Care of Your Stopping Power

What Are Disc Brakes?

Most modern vehicles use a system of disc brakes for the primary stopping power for your vehicle. A disc brake system consists of brake pads, a caliper, and a rotor. The caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction which is transferred hydraulically to slow the vehicle. It is important to maintain the health of your brakes to remain safe as you drive. Regular inspections can help catch issues before they become big problems, and avoiding delays for brake repairs can save your life.

The Health of Your Brakes

Brake pads take the brunt of wear and tear in a disc brake system. They absorb the heat generated by friction when the caliper is pressed against the rotor. If you notice your brakes have begun to squeal when you press the brake pedal, it could be a sign it’s time for new brake pads. Many brake pad manufacturers have included a layer in the pad, just under the minimum acceptable depth of the pad, which has metal threads or fibers in it. Those fibers, when they contact the rotor, will squeal. If your brakes begin to squeal, it’s time to take your vehicle to a certified brake repair shop like AutoStream Car Care Center in Hampden of Baltimore where the certified technicians on the team can inspect your brakes and diagnose any issues before recommending repairs or part replacements to keep you safe on the road. Not only will they measure the depth of your brake pads, but they’ll also look at the operation of the calipers and the surface of the rotors. If you’ve allowed your brake pads to wear too far down, it’s possible the calipers have been in direct contact with the rotors, which can leave grooves and gouges in the surface. The AutoStream Car Care Center team will help you understand if you need new rotors or if they can be “turned” or resurfaced instead.

Bring Your Car to the Brake Specialists

The team at Autostream Car Care Center are the Hampden of Baltimore area brake repair specialists. They’ll be glad to help you understand how your brake system works, what you can do to lengthen the effective life of the components of your brake system, and why they recommend certain repairs for the brake system on your vehicle. The customer service advisors are happy to talk with you about the brake problems you’ve noticed and to share that information with their technicians, so your vehicle gets the brake repairs it needs. Give them a call today to make an appointment, or stop by the shop to speak with a customer service advisor.