Brake Repair and Maintenance
Are you looking for reliable brake service in Tacoma? Look no further than Courtesy Auto Service and Tire! Our experienced technicians provide quality brake repair services that will have your car driving safely and smoothly. We use only the best parts to ensure a long-lasting repair, so you can be sure your brakes are in good hands. With our fast turnaround times and competitive prices, there’s no better place to get your brakes done than Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma.
How Do Brakes Work? Can I do Brake Repair?
Modern vehicles have disc brakes, which use brake pads to create friction and stop the vehicle. The brake pads are forced against a rotating disc, or rotor, mounted to the wheel hub. This friction creates heat and slows the wheels down. The brakes also contain calipers that squeeze the pads against the rotor with hydraulic pressure from brake fluid. When you press your foot on the brake pedal, it activates a piston in the master cylinder which pushes a pressure wave of brake fluid through a series of tubes and hoses to each of the calipers. This increases the pressure inside them so they clamp down on the rotor, slowing it down and bringing your car to a stop.
To ensure efficient braking, modern vehicles are equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS). These systems monitor wheel speed sensors connected to each wheel and determine when one or more wheels may be locking up due to excessive braking force. When this happens, ABS intervenes by reducing hydraulic pressure at one or more brakes for just an instant before restoring full pressure again. This pulsing action prevents skidding, giving drivers better control over their cars during emergency stops.
The brake system is actually composed of two kinds of systems—Hydraulics and Friction Materials. Here’s what happens within these systems between the time your foot hits the brake pedal and your car stops.
Hydraulics
When it comes to getting your brakes done, the most important factors are hydraulics and friction materials. Without these two key components, a vehicle’s brakes would not be able to function properly. Fortunately, Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure that your vehicle’s braking system is functioning as it should. We are the very best in brake repair! Let’s take a closer look at how these essential elements work together to bring you safe stops every time!
You will never need to find another mechanic for brake repair when you choose us!
What is the Master Cylinder and What Does it Have to Do with Brake Repair?
A master cylinder is a part of a vehicle’s braking system. It contains a piston that pushes brake fluid through tubes and hoses to the brakes when you press the pedal. This makes the pressure in the brakes increase, causing them to clamp down on the rotor and slow down your car so it can stop.
The master cylinder is an important part of the braking system and determining factor for break repair. It has a piston that pushes brake fluid when you press the pedal. This makes the pressure in the brakes go up and it helps slow down your car so it can stop.
What are the Different Kinds of Brakes?
There are three main types of brakes used in modern vehicles: disc brakes, drum brakes, and hydraulic calipers.
Disc brakes are the most common and feature a pair of brake pads that pinch a metal disc mounted to the wheel hub. This friction created by the pads against the rotor slows down the wheels. Disc brakes usually also feature a caliper that squeezes the pads onto the rotor with hydraulic pressure from brake fluid.
Drum brakes have been around since cars first came into existence. They consist of two shoes inside a rotating drum that press outward when you press on the pedal, creating friction and slowing down your car.
Hydraulic calipers use two pistons to press brake pads against either side of a rotor or drum to provide smooth and even braking power. These are typically found on larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans as they offer better stopping power than other types of brakes.
No matter what type of brake system your vehicle has, it is important to ensure that all components are working properly for safe stops every time! At Courtesy Auto Service and Tire, we can inspect your vehicle’s braking system to make sure it is functioning correctly so you can drive safely!
Master Cylinder
When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure which pushes brake fluid to the wheel brakes.
Brake Lines and Hoses
Steel brake lines and high pressure rubber hoses are the avenues through which the pressurized brake fluid travels.
Wheel Cylinders and Calipers
These are the hydraulic cylinders that apply pressure to the friction materials, causing your car to stop.
Friction Materials and Brake Repair
Disc Brake Pads and Drum Brake Shoes
These brake linings are composed of high temperature materials that create the friction that stops your car.
Types of Brakes and Brake Repair
Disc brakes consist of a Disc Brake Rotor, which is attached to the wheel,and a Caliper, which holds the Disc Brake Pads. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder causes the Caliper Piston to clamp the Disc Brake Rotor between the Disc Brake Pads. This creates friction between the pads and rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop.
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes consist of a Brake Drum attached to the wheel, a Wheel Cylinder,Brake Shoes and Brake Return Springs. Hydraulic pressure from the Master Cylinder causes the Wheel Cylinder to press the Brake Shoes against the Brake Drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or stop your car.
Parking Brake
The Parking Brake uses Cables to mechanically apply the brakes (usually the rear brake.) This is used to prevent the car from rolling when not being driven.
Parking brakes, also known as emergency brakes or hand brakes, are a critical component of your vehicle’s safety system. When used properly, they provide an extra layer of safety for your car by allowing you to secure it in place when parking in an incline or decline without rolling away.
At Courtesy Auto Service and Tire of Tacoma, we specialize in the repair and maintenance of all types of parking brakes. Our experienced technicians can inspect your brake system and diagnose any problems with the cables, hardware, and other components that make up the brake system. We use only quality parts to ensure that your brake system is functioning properly and safely at all times.
Whether you need a simple adjustment, brake repair or complete replacement, we have the knowledge and skill to get your parking brakes back in optimal condition. With our convenient location in Tacoma, WA, you can rest assured that your vehicle is receiving the highest caliber of care from our expert technicians. Brake repair has never been so easy!
