Brakes

Richard Petty once told AutoNetTV, “You've gotta have good brakes. If you've got good brakes you can keep yourself out of a lotta trouble.”

The purpose of the system is to convert the energy of the moving vehicle into heat in order slow the vehicle down. Although some hybrid vehicles are beginning to convert kinetic energy into stored electricity, all vehicles still use a brake system similar to that shown here. The pressure from the drivers foot (with assistance provided by the vacuum booster) is initially converted into fluid pressure in the brake lines by the brake master cylinder. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is stable in volume under a wide range of temperatures - it does not expand as it heats up. The pressurized brake fluid forces the pistons in the brake caliper outwards, so that they press against brake pads. The pads squeeze the surface of the rotating brake disc, causing it to slow, and generating heat. The heat is dispersed through cooling fins inside the rotor to prevent the rotor and pads from overheating.

That's why a regular brake inspection is on every MONTCLAIR driver's maintenance schedule. An inspection by your service advisor at ORR AUTOMOTIVE 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 ORR AUTOMOTIVE in MONTCLAIR right away. Here are some symptoms for MONTCLAIR 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 ORR AUTOMOTIVE .

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 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 and become too thin and need to be replaced at ORR AUTOMOTIVE.

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 ORR AUTOMOTIVE will also include a check of your brake fluid. When the brakes are applied, the pressure in the fluid 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, which leads to corrosion, leaks and brake damage, and with hard use, the brakes could severely fade or even fail. MONTCLAIR drivers should change the brake fluid when their vehicle manufacturer recommends to avoid these problems.

Come in to ORR AUTOMOTIVE for an brake inspection before damage occurs. You can call ahead for an appointment by calling 909-625-8963.

ORR AUTOMOTIVE
4701 ARROW HIGHWAY UNIT B
MONTCLAIR, CA 91763
909-625-8963