When it comes to your safety on the road—and the safety of others—your brakes are undoubtedly one of the most important components in your vehicle. While most drivers know the brake pads need to be changed periodically, there are several other types of maintenance that need to be performed to keep your brake system in good working order.

The braking system includes more than just your brake pads and rotors; it’s a complex assembly of components that work together to provide stopping power. To help you understand your braking system better and what’s needed to keep it working properly, here’s an in-depth look at the various components, what they do, maintenance requirements, and how to recognize when your braking system needs servicing. 

The Master Cylinder

When you push down on the brake pedal, it activates the master cylinder and sets the entire braking system into motion.

The master cylinder contains a piston which is pushed forward through the cylinder. The piston’s movement causes the brake fluid to start moving through the brake lines and hoses to the braking components located at each of the wheels. When the pressurized brake fluid reaches the brake calipers or wheel cylinders, the force causes the brake pads or shoes to press against the brake discs or drums, which causes the friction needed to slow and stop your vehicle.

Although master cylinders are designed to last a long time, they do need periodic inspections; mechanical failures can occur, as well as fluid leaks. Some common signs of a bad master cylinder include:

  • A spongey, squishy, or slowly sinking brake pedal
  • Dark brown or black brake fluid
  • Visible fluid leaks underneath your vehicle
  • A warning light may also be on; some cars are equipped with sensors that are designed to detect a loss of brake system pressure

Brake Boosters

Brake boosters essentially act as a braking assistant; they help multiply the force you apply on the brake pedal, which makes it easier to slow down and stop your car. Most modern vehicles use power brakes along with boosters to ensure smoother and more manageable braking. Without brake boosters you’d need to apply a lot more muscle power to press the brake pedal—similar to trying to steer a car that doesn’t have power steering.

Brake boosters themselves typically don’t require regular maintenance, however, they can develop issues if the brake system isn’t maintained. Regular brake fluid maintenance, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake line inspections and brake system bleeding (when needed) will all help maintain the brake boosters. If they need attention for any reason, you may notice:

  • A stiff brake pedal
  • Longer stopping distances
  • The engine stalls when braking

Brake Fluid

As you press the brake pedal, the fluid pressure created moves from the master cylinder through the brake lines and hoses until it reaches the calipers (or cylinders in drum brakes) at each wheel. Not only is this hydraulic fluid responsible for making your brakes work, but it also functions as a lubricant and prevents corrosion within the braking system.

However, brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it has a tendency to absorb moisture; this can cause the fluid to become contaminated. Brake fluid, like other automotive fluids, also degrades over time. For these reasons, it’s important to have your brake fluid changed regularly—typically every 3 years or 60,000 miles. If the brake fluid is low or becomes contaminated or sludgy, you may experience:

  • A soft, spongey, or unresponsive brake pedal
  • Increased stopping distances
  • An illuminated brake warning light

Brake Lines & Hoses

The brake lines, which carry the brake fluid most of the way from the reservoir, are rigid metal tubes attached to the body of the vehicle. At the end of each brake line is a brake hose, a flexible rubber tube that delivers the fluid to each caliper or wheel cylinder. As the brake fluid is pumped through the hose into the caliper, it causes the caliper to close and engage the brakes.

Although the brake lines and hoses are designed to withstand tens of thousands of miles of use, they should still be inspected regularly for leaks and other damage. If there’s an issue with the brake lines or hoses, you may notice:

  • A soft brake pedal
  • Visible cracks or frayed threads on the rubber brake hoses

Brake Calipers & Cylinders

Brake calipers, which are located at each wheel, are only found in disc brake systems. They essentially work by clamping down on the brake pad so it makes contact with the rotor. Wheel cylinders in drum brake systems work similarly—they push the brake shoes against the inside of the drum, which generates the friction needed to slow down the wheel.

Brake calipers and cylinders are designed to provide trouble-free braking for tens of thousands of miles, but they should be inspected regularly because they can develop problems as they age, including:

  • Fluid leaks
  • Reduced braking effectiveness
  • Drag that causes the vehicle to pull to one side
  • The brakes feel like they’re engaged even when you’re not pushing on the brake pedal

Brake Rotors & Drums

Brake rotors, which are exclusive to disc brake systems, are metal discs attached to the wheel hub. The rotors spin as the wheel turns; when you press the brakes, the brake pads apply friction to the rotors to stop the wheel. In drum brake systems, the drum rotates with the wheel; the drum also contains wheel cylinders and brake shoes, which work together to bring the wheel to a complete stop.

While brake rotors and drums typically last a long time, they’re subject to similar wear and tear as pads and shoes due to exposure to heat and friction. Replacement intervals can vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive and your driving habits. Rotors can often go 50,000 to 70,000 miles or more before needing replacement while drums can often last 100,000 miles or more. Common signs that you may need these components replaced include:

  • Deep scoring or grooves on the surface of the rotor or drum
  • Warping or uneven rotor thickness
  • The brake pedal pulsates or vibrates when braking
  • Reduced braking performance or longer stopping distances

Brake Pads & Shoes

In disc brake systems, brake pads provide friction against the wheel’s rotor to slow down the vehicle; in drum brake systems, the brake shoes work similarly pressing against the interior of a drum. Brake pads and drums should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed; replacement intervals can vary depending on your vehicle and driving habits. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle or talk to your Service Advisor. 

Common signs you may need a brake pad or shoe replacement include:

  • Squealing noises when braking (brake pads)
  • Grinding noise when braking
  • Reduced braking effectiveness
  • Uneven braking between the wheels that causes your vehicle to pull to one side

Keep Your Braking System in Top Condition

Whether you need routine brake maintenance or a repair, you can rely on the team at Express Auto/RV Care Center to keep your brake system in top condition! As a Better Business Bureau Accredited shop, we’re committed to providing exceptional auto care and customer service. We provide prompt same-day service on all makes and models and back our repairs with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and our satisfaction guarantee. Visit us today in the Yuma Foothills or contact us at (928) 305-0767!

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