Let's talk about Brakes!
Today's post focuses on brakes. There’s the power brake system and brake fluid. And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.
Nelson drivers tend to focus on the brake pads. In the automotive industry, the pads, and shoes on drum brakes, are called the friction material. That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the vehicle. The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life and it’s not until they are worn so thin as to be out of spec that they lose stopping effectiveness.
The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while stopping the vehicle. Over many kilometers, these wear and get gummed up. They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail. That’s why a regular brake inspection is important. At Downtown Automotive in Nelson BC, our technicians can test the operation of the brakes and see if any parts need cleaning or replacing.
That leads us to brake fluid service. Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the fluid system are depleted over time. That and moisture building up in the system deteriorate the performance of the brake fluid. Flushing the brake system cleans out deposits, water and dirt. Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.
The stopping force is ultimately dependent on the traction provided by your tires. The better they grip the road, the quicker you’ll stop.
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