Brakes Safety
At EAC Telford our ethos is all about ensuring you and your vehicle are 100% safe. As part of this it is our belief that “You must be able to stop your car, however fast you are driving.”
On a daily basis brakes and pads stand out as being among the most common issues with which we have to deal with. This is why we’ve written this article so you’ll know what to look out for, how to save money on your brakes, and stay safe at the same time.
The Dangers
Faulty brakes cut a car’s braking efficiency. This means you could find that your stopping distances are increased, skidding becomes a hazard, and in really bad cases your brakes fail. It goes without saying that ultimately this could lead to an accident that could have been prevented.
Worn pads can also cause damage to a vehicle’s discs so we would like to assist you in avoiding any premature need to replace the discs, not least because it will save you unnecessary expense in the long run.
How Do Brakes Work?
Car brakes these days are a complex combination of electrical and mechanical parts. Most cars are fitted with some sort of Anti Lock Braking System (ABS), in which sensors monitor wheel speeds, which a computer uses to control the way a car’s brakes are applied in emergency situations.
This advanced technology means that the brake faults we tend to see involve just the brake pads and the discs. These are the parts that are constructed in such a way they wear and therefore need replacing at intervals.
The way brakes work involves you applying pressure to your car’s brake pedal. This pressure is amplified by a brake booster, which applies a physical force inside the master cylinder and forces fluid into the calliper.
The calliper puts pressure on the brake piston, and it is this piston that forces the brake pads to touch the discs causing a slowing of the vehicle’s wheels and eventually stopping the car altogether.
Long Brake Life
By applying progressive braking – which involves the application of a variable braking action – you can give your brakes a longer life. The technique is best started slight, then increased with pressure, and finished light.
When used correctly, progressive braking will…
● Prevent wheel lock
● Help in the avoidance of skidding
● Boost fuel efficiency
● Give road users more time to react
● Reduce wear on both brakes and other related components.
Progressive braking is good for a vehicle, and it saves you money!
Spotting Brake Faults
Even if you’ve been using progressive braking at some point you’ll need a brake repair. If you are concerned about your brakes then booking in for an inspection is crucial, after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tell tale signs to be aware of include:
● Unusual noises like squealing, grinding, ringing or vibrating when braking
● Hard or soft brake pedal
● Increased length of stopping distance
● The brake fluid or brake-pad-wear lights
● An ABS warning light
Repair and Replacement
Brakes require maintenance and sometimes replacement. Prevention is always advised instead of cure so get the brakes checked at service time or if you suspect something may be wrong.
At EAC Telford, our technicians measure brake pads and discs against your manufacturer’s specifications to give you the peace of mind you want when driving and until the next brake inspection.
This image shows how old and new braking components compare and underlines why accurate measurements are important.
As well as checking the brake pads and discs we will test your brake fluid as this also has a service life and can affect braking performance.
Our code of conduct puts your safety at the top of the priority list. We want you to be able to rely on your car at all times.
So if you have any concerns about your brakes or you’d just like to be on the safe side then book in for a quick inspection today. give us a call as we’re here to help on 01952 980566
