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Brake Repair in Escondido: Your Brake System and Identifying Potential Problems

By Dmac Auto

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It is difficult to think of an automotive system more integral to the safe operation of your vehicle than your brakes. Yes, the engine provides the power to drive. The transmission provides the motive force that actually turns the wheel. Your power steering system makes it easier to manipulate the steering wheel. However, your car’s brake system makes it possible to drive safely. Of course, like all other automotive systems, your brakes are subject to wear and tear, as well as deterioration. Below, we’ll discuss several of the things you need to know about why you might need to seek out brake repair in Escondido with a reputable mechanic.

How Do Your Brakes Work?

Before we touch on topics related to brake repair in Escondido, it’s important to understand how your braking system actually works. While the system is complex in reality, the theory behind it is actually relatively simple.

First, let’s discuss the basic components of your brake system, as any reputable mechanic could explain them to you. You have the brake master cylinder, which is located under the hood and is found against the firewall directly in front of the driver’s seat. You have brake lines that run from the master cylinder to each wheel, as well.

At each wheel, you will either have a caliper or a brake drum. If you have four-wheel disc brakes, then each wheel will have a caliper. If you have disc and drum brakes, you will have calipers on the front and drums on the rear. The brake lines will run into each of these.

A caliper works on the same principle as a vise – the harder you squeeze something, the less movement there will be. In fact, a caliper is really nothing more than a fluid-operated clamp. On the inside of that clamp are two pads – an inner pad and an outer pad. As you press on the brake pedal, fluid pressure forces the caliper closed, clamping the pads against the rotor.

The brake rotor is essentially a metal disc that is mounted to the wheel hub. It spins the wheel, and as the pads squeeze it, that slows down the wheel and stops the vehicle.

Drum brakes work on a similar but slightly different principle. Rather than brake pads, drum brakes use shoes, and rather than a caliper, they use a metal drum. Instead of squeezing to stop the wheel from turning, the shoes are pressed outward, against the inner surface of the drum. This has the same effect and will slow the vehicle down, eventually stopping it.

This is a very simplified explanation of how your brake system operates, but it is sufficient to explain the many potential problems that you will encounter, and why you will need to find a trusted mechanic to provide you with brake repair in Escondido.

The Basics of Car Maintenance with the Braking System

There are many different components that come into play during brake service. They vary depending on the auto shop you’re using for service, the mileage on your vehicle, the condition of your brake system itself, and more. Below, we’ll outline some of the most common brake service types, and why they’re needed, as well as their general role in Escondido brake repair.

Pad Replacement

Perhaps the most common brake service is to replace the pads on disc brakes. Most brake pads are made from either an organic compound or they are metallic or semi-metallic. Some pads are made from ceramic, but these are generally high-performance aftermarket pads and are not OEM parts.

As pads press against the caliper during slowdowns and stops, bits of the pad material wears away. Over time, this reduces the thickness of the pad, eventually leading to a situation in which you must replace them. Failure to replace your pads when the level gets too low can result in serious, significant damage.

Always replace your pads when they are low, and have them professionally checked at each service interval to ensure safety. Signs to watch for that might indicate you need brake service include:

  • Squeaking when pressing the brake pedal
  • Grinding when pressing the brake pedal
  • Squealing sound from the brakes

Rotor Resurfacing

Your brake rotors put up with a lot of abuse during the braking process. The pressure of having the pads squeezed against them creates a great deal of heat, as well as wear. Over time, the metal of the rotors will wear down, thinning them and eventually causing a need for replacement. However, a set of rotors should last for the majority of a vehicle’s life.

A more common problem stems from overheating the rotors by “riding” your brakes, improper braking, or exposing the heated metal of the rotors to water (driving through a puddle, for instance). This creates warpage that can cause serious discomfort during the braking process. The most common sign of warped rotors is feeling a pulsing sensation when you press the brakes. This differs from the rapid-fire pulse of the ABS system.

If you have noticed that the brake pedal feels as though it is pulsing when you press the brake pedal, you need to have the rotors checked. Depending on the type of rotor, the degree of deterioration, the thickness of the rotor and other factors, you may need to have them resurfaced, or “turned”. This involves placing the rotor on a brake lathe and removing a very thin amount of metal to create a smooth, even surface.

Brake Flush

Brake fluid, like engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. When brake fluid is new, it is usually a translucent gold in color, lighter than fresh engine oil. Over time, and through the application of heat, it becomes dark and burnt. Very old, very dirty brake fluid may actually appear black through the walls of the master cylinder reservoir.

There’s also the possibility for condensation to create water in the brake fluid. The problem with this is that water contamination will reduce the boiling temperature of the fluid. In turn, this reduces your stopping ability. Moisture in the brake fluid will also lead to corrosion of other components, including calipers and brake lines, and their eventual replacement.

Make sure to have your mechanic check the condition of your brake fluid regularly, and follow professional recommendations about when to have your brake fluid flushed and replaced.

Rotor Replacement

As mentioned a set of rotors should last for most of the life of a vehicle under normal circumstances. However, improper braking can greatly reduce that lifespan, as can rust and corrosion. In some instances, you may find that brake repair in Escondido will include rotor replacement.

You have a number of options here. You can use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) rotors, or you can upgrade to a higher-quality aftermarket rotor. Many drivers find that they prefer high-performance rotors, including cross-drilled and slotted rotors for their improved ability to dissipate heat and reduce the chance of warping. There’s also the fact that some after-market rotors are thicker than OEM rotors, and will last longer.

Rotor replacement should not be part of everyday brake service in Escondido, but it may be one of the auto services you require. A professional examination of your brake system and components will determine the answer.

Brake Line Replacement

Brake lines are made of metal and should last for decades without too much worry. However, there are conditions in which they can deteriorate, requiring eventual replacement. There is also the potential for a brake line to sustain damage from an accident, or running over an object in the road that would necessitate replacing the line.

In terms of general wear and tear, the two factors most associated with brake line damage are water in the brake fluid (not flushing on a regular basis), and rust from exposure to corrosive environments (salt in the air, for instance). You cannot take chances with a damaged or corroded brake line – a loss of pressure in your brake system could have catastrophic consequences for your ability to stop safely.

Drum and Parking Brake Cleaning and Adjusting

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may have drum brakes on the rear. While you will eventually need to have the brake shoes replaced, the most commonly needed brake service here is a simple cleaning and adjustment. To do this, the tire and wheel must be removed, along with the drum. The shoes are then adjusted outward with a special tool, and all the brake dust is cleaned from the system before it is all put back together. Your parking brake will be checked and adjusted if needed, as well.

Master Cylinder Replacement

Over time, your car’s master cylinder may eventually need to be replaced. The most common problem here is seal failure, but other issues may necessitate the replacement. If there is a problem with your master cylinder, it is vital to have it addressed with a local mechanic. The master cylinder controls the entire brake system, and if it fails, your brakes will not work.

Tips to Maximize Brake Life

Brake repair in Escondido is a necessity no matter how often or rarely you drive. However, there are some things you can do to extend their life and limit the number of times you need brake service.

Stop Riding Your Brakes – Perhaps the single most common reason for premature brake wear is improper braking. If you constantly ride with your foot resting on the brake pedal, you are putting significant wear on the system, including reducing pad thickness and overheating both your rotors and the brake fluid.

Stop Slamming on Your Brakes – When stopping, it is best to slow down well before you need to come to a stop, rather than slamming your brakes on hard. This will reduce your need for car maintenance, and will extend the life of your pads and rotors.

Always Keep an Eye on Your Brakes – Don’t be surprised by brake wear. Work with a trusted auto shop and have them check the condition of your brake pads at each oil change and tire rotation, as well as at other car maintenance services. That way, you’ll be prepared when the time comes for brake repair in Escondido.

With a trusted auto shop to provide brake service and to keep an eye on wear and tear, you should never have to worry about unexpected brake repair. We invite you to get in touch with us about our car maintenance services and learn how we can help keep you safe on the road.

Schedule Brake Repair in Escondido with Our Expert Auto Shop

In need of brake service, or other auto services? Want a trusted professional to handle your car maintenance needs? We invite you to call us today at D Mac’s Auto Repair at 760-746-0111 to schedule your appointment. We are happy to provide a broad range of auto services, from brake repair and oil changes to more in-depth needs. Whether you have a classic car or a modern vehicle, our expert mechanics can ensure it stays in good condition.

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Dear Valued Customers,
We are writing to inform you that D Mac Automotive is currently out of business. This decision wasn't easy, but necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. We deeply appreciate your support and loyalty over the years. Your trust and patronage have meant the world to us. We will miss serving you and being a part of this wonderful community. Thank you for all the memorable moments and for allowing us to be a part of your lives.

Sincerely,
D Mac Automotive