Understand the Braking System of Your Car Better

There are many components in your car that need to work together in order for it to work as efficiently as it possibly can. One of the most important systems in your car is the braking system. You need to be able to stop quickly when needed to ensure that you do not get into an accident, and if your braking system is not working properly, stopping may be difficult. It is important that you make sure that all of the different elements of your parking system are working well at all times in order to be as safe as you can be when driving. Use the guide below to learn more about the elements that make up the braking system in your car.

Rotors, Brake Shoes, Brake Pads, and Drums

Rotors, brake shoes, brake pads, and drums are small components that work together to stop your vehicle when you press the brake pedal. The biggest issue with these elements is that they wear out over time. Many different things can cause these elements to wear out, including the way that you drive, the weight of the vehicle, whether you haul heavy items behind you, and how often you drive. It is important to have all of these parts checked regularly so that they can be replaced as needed. A good rule of thumb is to have a mechanic inspect your rotors, brake shoes, brake pads, and drums every time you get your oil changed so that you can rest assured that they are not worn to the point of being inoperable.

ABS 

ABS stands for antilock braking system, and it keeps your car from spinning out when you have to slam on your brakes because it keeps the wheels from locking up. A common problem that many vehicle owners see with ABS occurs when they do not apply constant pressure when applying the brake. Applying pressure slightly and then letting it go and applying it again repeatedly can disengage the ABS. When this happens, a light will appear on your dash that says "ABS," and the system will need to be serviced by a mechanic in order to be engaged again.

The Parking Brake

Another crucial part of your braking system is the parking brake. The parking brake is designed to keep your vehicle from rolling when you park on an incline. If your parking brake is difficult to pull up or does not stay engaged when you try to use it, you need to have it serviced. Regular use of the parking brake will keep it from sticking or becoming difficult to lift. You can use the parking brake when you are parked on an incline and when you are not.

Having your braking system serviced regularly will allow your car to operate as efficiently as it can for as long as possible. If you notice that your steering wheel shakes when you brake, that the brakes screech, or that the car simply does not stop quickly, it is time to get your braking system serviced right away at a shop such as Care Muffler & Brake Shop.