While the engine is an important part of your vehicle, the brakes are even more important. You’re not going to stop if you don’t have brakes. If the front or rear brakes are the only set working, your stopping distance increases significantly, which could cause you to have a wreck. The ASE Certified auto technicians at Accelerate Auto Repair will check the entire brake system on any model and age vehicle, and then can make the necessary repairs to get you safely back on the road.
Brake System Components
Your vehicle’s brake system is made up of several components:
- Front brakes, which are usually disc brakes on most vehicles made after the 1970s
- Rear brakes, which are usually disc brakes on most vehicles made after the mid-1980s
- Drum brakes on older vehicles
- The master cylinder
- Brake lines
- The emergency brake
- Calipers on vehicles with disc brakes
- Wheel cylinders on vehicles with drum brakes
- Brake pads on vehicles with disc brakes
- Brake shoes on vehicles with drum brakes
The most common brake repair is replacing the pads or shoes. The next most common brake repair is machining or replacing the rotors or drums.
Brake Repair Services In Rowlett, TX
You can save money on brake repairs by catching worn pads before they become metal rubbing on metal with the rotors. When you hear the brakes squeaking, that means the tab on the pads is touching the rotor. Manufacturers designed this “squealer” to let you know that it’s time to replace the pads. However, that metal tab on the pads is cutting grooves into the rotor.
The longer you drive with that annoying sound, the more it digs into the rotor. After a certain point, the rotors cannot be resurfaced – they’ll need to be replaced. If they are ground too thin, they won’t have the mass needed for heat dissipation and they will warp, causing a vibration when stopping. If they become too thin it could cause further damage by over-extending the calipers.
In addition to replacing worn brake pads and shoes, we at Accelerate Auto Repair also perform an array of other brake repairs, including:
- Replacement of leaking or seized calipers
- Replacement or rebuild of a malfunctioning master cylinder
- Replacement of worn rubber brake hoses
- Repair/replacement of rusted or damaged brake lines
- Replacement or resurfacing of warped rotors
How Often Do Brakes Need Service?
How often your vehicle’s brakes need servicing can vary based on factors like how you drive, the type of vehicle you have, and the conditions you drive in. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have your brakes checked at least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Of course, every time you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, the auto technicians at Accelerate Auto Repair will check the brakes while the vehicle is up on the lift.
We’ll let you know if you should replace your brakes sooner rather than later. Replacing the pads before the squeaker hits the rotors and scores them can save you money since you most likely won’t have to replace the rotors.
Keep in mind that you have a pad that rubs against the rotor each time you put your foot on the brake, so even if you replace the pads before the squeaker hits the rotors, eventually, the rotors will be so worn that you’ll have to replace them.
Signs You Need Brake Services
There are a number of telltale signs that indicate your brakes need servicing. If you notice that you have to pull the emergency brake handle up pretty far before it becomes tight, that is a good indication that you need to replace the rear pads. Additionally, if you press the brake pedal and it seems to go closer to the floor, your vehicle’s brakes need to be replaced.
Do All Four Brakes Need to be Replaced at Once?
In many cases, it’s recommended to replace brakes in pairs, either on the front or rear axle, to maintain balanced braking performance. However, if your vehicle’s brakes are worn unevenly or if you’re experiencing issues with all four brakes, replacing all four at once may be necessary to ensure consistent braking performance and safety. You can count on the qualified professionals at Accelerate Auto Repair to assess the condition of your brakes and determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific circumstances.
Schedule an Appointment for Brake Repair Today
Contact Accelerate Auto Repair at (469) 501-5115 to schedule an appointment to check or service your brakes if you believe they are low or if you hear them squeaking. You can count on us to provide you with an accurate assessment of your brakes’ condition along with timely repairs that will have you back on the road in no time.
