In Marietta, GA

If You Had To Stop, Could You? 

We Make Your Answer A Confident “Yes!”

When the brake system fails, you don’t have total control over your vehicle. You can’t stop, and that’s terrifying for you and other drivers on the road.

Regular brake service 

• prevents accidents 
• increases confidence in your vehicle 
• gives you more security during unexpected moments 

Signs Your Brakes Are Going Bad 

Your vehicle will give you warnings that the brakes are going bad. While these symptoms don’t all seem serious–they all indicate that something is not right with your braking system. 

• Squealing or squeaking noises
• Grinding or growling noises
• Longer stopping distances
• Vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal
• Dashboard warning lights
• Soft or spongy brake pedal
• Leaking brake fluid
• Burning smell

Parts of the Braking System That Could Be Damaged or Worn 

Your brakes provide the most basic of functions for vehicle operation, but the braking system itself is very detailed and even a little complex. Let’s take a quick look at a few of the basic components of a brake system.

Brake Disc

The disc or rotor serves as a central component of your brake system. It’s the hub of activity. The disc is often made of synthetic materials mixed with flaked metal and bonded together to form a smooth surface. Your car’s brake discs are exceptionally strong; they have to be durable enough to endure the pressure and friction caused by brake pads.

Brake Pads

Your vehicle’s brake pads make direct contact with the brake discs, creating the friction that slows down your car and brings it to a stop. Brake pads are designed to resist overheating and are made from ceramic, metal blends, glass and rubber blends, and may even contain traces of Kevlar.

Caliper

This component holds your vehicle’s brake pad in position and presses it against the rotor when you activate the brake. While racing vehicles are often equipped with lightweight aluminum alloy calipers, most highway-grade vehicles have heavy cast iron calipers. The caliper’s pistons are often constructed of stainless steel to ensure strength and durability.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is “hygroscopic,” which means it actively attracts moisture from the air. Unfortunately, moisture isn’t good for your brake fluid. By changing your brake fluid, you prevent the brake system’s metal parts from corrosion and failure. 

Fluid Contamination 

As brake fluid ages and becomes contaminated with small particles, the boiling point of the fluid goes down. This reduces your braking performance, which is subtle at first, but in extreme cases, leads to total brake failure. 

The anti-lock braking system ABS and traction control components are sensitive to moisture and small particulates from contaminated fluid. We recommend flushing the brake fluid before it has a chance to ruin these expensive brake parts. An ABS module, for example, is what activates the ABS and pulses the brakes to help you stop straight.

Too Much Heat 

As your ABS and traction control systems activate, they generate heat, which further breaks down the fluid. Although ABS and traction control are important safety systems that rely on clean brake fluid, the heat they generate shortens the life of your brake fluid.

Other Aspects of Your Braking System 

These are only three of the foundational components of your vehicle’s brake system, but there are many more parts to consider. 

Brake shoes, caliper pins, caliper brackets, the master cylinder, brake lines, and even brake fluid must be checked and maintained to ensure a properly functioning brake system. 

If any single member of the brake system doesn’t function properly, the whole system could fail, leaving you in a dangerous situation on the highway. 

That’s why it’s important to have your brakes maintained and serviced on a regular schedule. 

Scheduling Regular Brake Repair Service 

We recommend the following schedule for keeping up with various brake parts. 

During our oil change service, we check your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid for moisture so you know when your brake repairs are needed before a scary situation strikes. 

Brake Repair in Marietta, GA 

There’s great peace of mind in knowing you can stop when you need to. Make brake repair and service a regular part of your preventative maintenance routine to keep your brakes’ performance strong. 

If you are experiencing an issue, call us to schedule your Marietta brake repair with Advantage Auto Service today.

Brake Repair Near Me

If you are experiencing an issue, call us today to schedule your Marietta brake repair or service.