If you own a vehicle long enough, you’ll eventually have to do some maintenance on the brakes; they do wear out. But automotive braking systems are pretty good about telling you when they have a problem. It’s a good idea to bring the vehicle in for a check up once a year so you don’t develop problems. If you do need brake repair, you’ll probably see one or more of these symptoms:
- “Soft” brake pedal
- Brakes respond slowly
- Grinding/squealing sound when braking
- Brake warning lights glow on dash
If your brake system is doing any of these things, bring it in immediately; this kind of problem needs to be dealt with before it turns dangerous or more expensive to repair.
Autotech provides comprehensive service, from annual check ups to complete brake replacement, including maintenance and repair of:
- Brake pedal
- Power brake booster
- Drum brakes
- Disc brakes
- Hydraulics
- Master cylinder
- Brake fluid
- Anti-lock brake (ABS) system components
Our ASE-certified technicians will do the job right the first time, for a reasonable price. We’re locally owned, and we always stand behind our work. Brake service at Autotech also accrues discount points on your ELITE Member Discount Card, so be sure to sign up and start saving. If you don’t have the card, stop by our West Wichita store, and we’ll get you one. It’s free. Learn more.
A Nickel Tour of Your Braking System
Brakes use friction to stop the vehicle one of two ways. Disc brakes use high-temperature pads to squeeze a disc that’s mounted to the wheel, slowing the vehicle. Drum brakes use semi-circular “shoes,” made of the same high-temp material, which are pressed outward against the inside of a cylindrical drum mounted to the wheel.
In addition to these friction systems, most vehicles have an anti-lock brake system (ABS), which senses slippage under the tires and strategically applies pulses to the pads/shoes, the equivalent of pumping your brakes to avoid a skid. Braking systems are generally trouble-free, as long as you have them checked once a year and let us take care of any minor problems. Give us a call, and we’ll get your vehicle in the shop, give it a once-over, and make sure you’re in good shape.
