Brakes

About Brakes at Tyler's Automotive

The brakes of your car are one of the most important features to maintain and any one of the components that make up your braking system can eventually wear down.

Any issues with your brakes should be considered a critical issue, and you should bring your car in for service as soon as possible and avoid excessive driving. If your brakes fail, your only means to stop is using the emergency brake which will bring you to a complete, sudden, and jarring stop that can be dangerous depending on the road and traffic conditions that you are in.

Our Brake Service

Breaks

Tyler’s Automotive performs a comprehensive brake inspection before we recommend any brake-related repairs. This inspection includes checking the various mechanical and electronic components of the brake system that work together to stop your car’s wheels from turning when you step on the brakes (which we hope you always do gently). As you step on the brake, brake fluid puts pressure on the pistons that then force the metal brake pads against the brake rotor. The pads and pistons are housed in the caliper assembly which is what clamps down on the rotors to stop the wheel. Any part of this system can wear or break down which is why we recommend an annual brake inspection as part of your yearly maintenance. How often you need to replace brake pads and fluid depends on many variables such as the type of car, monthly mileage, how and where you drive, and much more.

Common Brake Repairs and Replacement

Brake fluid should never be neglected as we see it as the lifeblood of the brake system. When you step on the brake pedal you’re actually pressurizing the brake fluid in the lines which is what makes the actual brake slow your car. The slowdown should happen immediately and if it doesn’t, have the fluid checked. If the level is low, we’ll fill it, and if the fluid looks cloudy or dark, we’ll replace it. Brake fluid is susceptible to moisture collection and contamination which can damage sensitive anti-lock brake system components. Flushing the brake fluid regularly will keep your brakes at optimal performance.

Disc Brake Pads are metal plates that press down on the brake rotors causing friction that slows and stops your car. The pads are housed in the caliper assembly that fits in the wheel of your car. Considering how often you press the brakes in your car, it’s easy to see how brake pads can wear down which is why we recommend a regular inspection. You can still drive with worn brake pads, but why take that risk?

The Master Cylinder is central to the brake system and while replacement and repairs are more uncommon for the master cylinder, with wear and tear they can develop leaks. When you step on the brake pedal it pushes a piston through the brake cylinder. Hydraulic fluid is pumped through the brake lines putting pressure on secondary cylinders that drive the caliper piston to engage the brake calipers. That’s a lot of parts and functions to ensure you can stop, so we look at it all to keep you safe.

Signs of a brake problem can include:

  • The brakes squeak or squeal, or grind
  • The brakes feel spongy and take longer to return to normal resting position
  • Your brake feels stiff or more difficult to depress
  • You hear a clicking or hissing sound
  • The front of your car pulls to one side when you brake
  • You feel a vibration in the brake pedal or the car itself when you brake
  • It takes longer for the car to come to a complete stop
  • The brake pad warning light comes on

Schedule Brake Service Today

If you are experiencing any of these signs or have other concerns regarding your car’s brakes, request service online with one of our experienced brake technicians. You may also give us a call. We back up our brake service with our 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty.

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