Hey, Duke here, and Richard Petty once told me, “You've gotta have good brakes. If you've got good brakes, you can keep yourself out of a lotta trouble.” So today, we are going to put the pedal to the metal and bark about brakes!
A regular brake inspection should be on every Los Altos driver's maintenance schedule. An inspection by your service advisor at Allied Auto Works will check your brake system and let you know if there are any problems.
Of course, if you're having trouble with your brakes, get your car into Allied Auto Works in Los Altos right away. Here are some symptoms for Los Altos drivers to watch for:
- Low or spongy brake pedal
- Hard brake pedal
- A brake warning light that stays on
- Constantly squealing or grinding brakes
- Vibrations or clunking sounds when you apply your brakes
If you are experiencing any of these, it's time to get your brakes checked. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at Allied Auto Works .
There are two types of brakes: disc and drum. Disc brakes have a rotor that's attached to the axle. Calipers straddle the rotor, kind of like the brakes on a bicycle.
Drum brakes are most common on the back wheels. Both types have pads or shoes that press against the brakes and slow the vehicle. Brake pads and shoes are made out of very tough material to withstand the heat and force generated when stopping your vehicle. Eventually, they wear out with use, become too thin, and need to be replaced at Allied Auto Works.
If the brake pads wear away completely, you can damage the rotors. The calipers can grind grooves in the rotor. Then the rotor must either be resurfaced or replaced. That's not only expensive but also dangerous because your vehicle won't stop as quickly. Sometimes rotors warp or crack and must be replaced.
A brake service at Allied Auto Works will also include a check of your brake fluid. When the brakes are applied, the fluid pressure activates the brake pads or shoes. Not enough fluid means not enough pressure to brake properly. Also, water builds up in the brake fluid over time, leading to corrosion, leaks, and brake damage; with hard use, the brakes could severely fade or even fail. Los Altos drivers should change the brake fluid when their vehicle manufacturer recommends it to avoid these problems.
Come in to Allied Auto Works for a brake inspection before damage occurs. You can schedule an appointment by calling 6509687227.
I leave you with a quote,
It is amazing how many drivers, even at the Formula One Level, think that the brakes are for slowing the car down. ~Mario Andretti
Duke
Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
alliedautoworks.com