What types of brake systems does my car have?
Your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, which allows you to steer as your brakes are engaged. In addition to this, most cars have two or three types of brake systems. If any of these brake systems are wearing out, it is crucial to bring your car into Platt's Performance Plus, Inc for an inspection before their condition worsens. These brake systems are:
Disc Brakes - If you look through one of your car's wheels, you will see a shiny metal disc just inside. This is called a disc brake. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, a pad of hard-wearing material clamps onto the brake disc and rubs it to make it slow down—in a similar way to bicycle brakes.
Drum Brakes - Some cars have disc brakes on all four wheels, while others have disc brakes on their front wheels and drum brakes on their back wheels. Instead of the disc and brake pad, drum brakes have shoes inside the drum that press outwards. As the shoes push into the wheel, friction slows you down.
Parking Brake - Your vehicle's parking brake applies force to the disc or drum brakes in a slower, less forceful way via a lever that's usually located between your car's two front seats. When you pull on the brake, a system of levers tugs on a pair of sturdy cables that apply the brakes to the back wheels. Older parking brake systems are completely mechanical and do not use brake fluid like the disk and drum brakes, so they can be used as an emergency brake (with great care) when the other brake systems fail. Many newer vehicles use an electronic parking brake, which is similar, but often uses electronic motors to engage the parking brake.
How do I know if I need to bring my vehicle in for brake service or repair?
Taking care of your brakes is crucial to maintaining a safe driving experience for you and your passengers. It is a feature you use every day, and even a slight change can indicate something is wrong. If your vehicle’s brakes are performing poorly and you are in Jamesburg, NJ or Jamesburg, it is imperative that you bring your car in to Platt's Performance Plus, Inc for an inspection. Some warning signs include:
The brake light on your dashboard turns on and stays on - If this happens, first make sure your handbrake is not engaged. If your brake light stays on, your vehicle is telling you it is time for an inspection, and/or there is a problem with your brakes.
Your car pulls to one side when braking - One brake system may be working more efficiently than the other, causing your vehicle to pull to one side when braking.
Your brake pedal feels soft or spongy - If you notice a difference in the resistance in the brake pedal — it feels “softer,” or sinks all the way to the floor mat when you press on it — it’s a sign you need immediate service. There could be air or moisture in the braking system or a problem with the master cylinder.
Your brakes are squeaking, grinding, or squealing - If you hear a high-pitched noise when applying your brakes, it likely means that your brake pads, or shoes have worn out. This could also cause a grinding sound, with or without pushing on the brake pedal; a grinding sound could also indicate a lack of lubrication in vehicles with rear drum brakes.
Your ABS light is on, or flashing on your instrument panel - ABS stands for Anti-Lock Braking System. If the light is on or flashing while your car, truck, or SUV is on, it means there is a malfunction and needs attention. If your ABS light is on, give Platt's Performance Plus, Inc a call so we can diagnose, and repair the issue.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, do not hesitate to bring your vehicle to Platt's Performance Plus, Inc in Jamesburg today! We will make sure your shocks and struts work. We can also perform other services you may need, like scheduled maintenance, tune-ups, and engine repair, auto repair, or engine repair.
Your Reliable Shop for Brake Repair
We recommend that you get your car’s brakes inspected once a year. If you are in Middlesex County, Manalapan Township, NJ, Monroe Township, NJ, Old Bridge, NJ, or surrounding areas, you can bring your car to Platt's Performance Plus, Inc. Since 1988, we've used the highest-quality tools and parts to make the appropriate fixes to ensure you get back on the road quickly and safely. We will perform a complete brake diagnostic to determine if the issue is coming from your Ford's brake pads, your Toyota's rotors, your Honda's fluid, your Dodge's master cylinder, or somewhere else. Reasons You Should Do Business With Us:
At Platt's Performance Plus, Inc in Jamesburg, we pride ourselves in providing thorough and transparent assessments of the vehicles we service, so don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle in for an inspection today. If you are in the 08831 area or nearby, you can give us a call or schedule an appointment with us online - Platt's Performance Plus, Inc - Quality you Can Trust, at a Fair Price!.
FAQ
- What Are the Signs That My Brakes Need Repair? Brake repair signs can include symptoms like squeaking or grinding noises, a soft or spongy brake pedal, vibrations while braking, or a longer stopping distance.
- How Often Should I Replace My Brake Pads and Rotors? Brake pads and rotor replacement intervals can be affected by driving habits and the type of brake pads used.
- Why do Brakes Squeal or Grind? Brake squeal grinding causes when braking is a common concern. The causes behind these sounds can range from worn brake pads to issues with the brake calipers or rotors.
- Is Brake Fluid Flush Necessary, and How Often Should It Be Done? Brake fluid flush importance can be a topic of confusion. Brake fluid service is recommended every two years or 24,000 miles, to remove moisture, dirt, and air that can damage “O” rings, seals, and other components within the brake system.
- Why Do My Brakes Vibrate or Pulse When I Brake? Brake vibration causes and what causes steering wheel pulsation when braking, are often asked. The causes behind this issue can range from warped brake rotors to improper wheel alignment.