Brake systems – more than you wanted to know.
Your vehicle’s brake system has one job – to stop your vehicle. But it takes several key components to deliver that singular end result. To bring a vehicle to a halt, three things are necessary: leverage, hydraulic force and friction. Leverage is supplied by the driver’s leg pressure and the brake pedal. The pedal is connected by levers and rods to the back of the power booster. The power booster uses either engine vacuum or a hydraulic pump to multiply and transfer the force of that leverage to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the heart of your vehicle’s brake hydraulic system. It uses applied leverage to force a reservoir full of brake fluid through valves, steel lines and rubber hoses into hydraulic calipers and wheel cylinders. That hydraulic pressure is then used to help create friction.
For example, disc brakes use a hydraulic caliper fitted with brake pads to grab a spinning disc (or rotor). Drum brakes, on the other hand, have a hydraulic wheel cylinder that pushes a brake shoe against the inside of a spinning drum. Either design involves highly engineered parts and precise movement. The more force a driver applies to the brake pedal, the greater the stopping force that is applied at the wheels.
In addition to this primary braking system, most of today’s vehicles utilize an electronic Anti-lock Brake System. Using electronic sensors and high pressure pumps, under certain conditions, your ABS system can measure vehicle speed, wheel slip and brake force. Then it actually pumps the brakes for you during an emergency stop.
That’s why it’s essential to be proactive about testing overall brake components. And to know whether a brake component needs simply to be serviced or totally replaced.
Oil Filters
Oil filters are designed to trap foreign particles suspended in the oil and prevent them from getting to the engine bearings and other parts.
Fluids
Your vehicle relies on a variety of fluids to operate its brake, steering, transmission, engine cooling and other systems. When these fluids become degraded or are at incorrect levels, damage to other components may occur…so always follow the manufacturer-recommended service schedule.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
This is typically an oil-based fluid used in a transmission that lubricates and cools the transmission and provides hydraulic pressure to shift gears automatically.
Brake Fluid
This is the hydraulic fluid used to transmit pressure through the brake lines in a brake system providing stopping power and protecting hydraulic brake components from internal corrosion.
Coolant/Antifreeze
This is the mixture of water and antifreeze used in an engine cooling system to dissipate heat and maintain the engine’s temperature throughout its operating range.
Starting & Charging
The battery starts your car, powers on-board computers and supplies emergency power needs. A weakened battery causes stress on alternators and starters, especially during extreme temperatures. Let RPM test and inspect your battery regularly.
Air Filters
Clean air filters can increase engine performance, boost fuel mileage and reduce engine wear. Cabin air filters can minimize airborne contaminants in the passenger compartment and improve heating/cooling efficiency.
Touch® Courtesy Check
The RPM Touch® Courtesy Check is fast, efficient and covers many items on your vehicle’s preventive maintenance schedule. We’ll conduct a visual check, looking inside, outside, under the hood and under the vehicle, then provide you with a written report.
