Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles are made up of numerous components. Those components come together to create various systems, and those systems all work in tandem to keep vehicles running safely and properly. Though each one does its part, the brake system is one of the most important. If it’s not working the way it should, you won’t be able to stop when you need to. In a sense, it’s better to have a vehicle that won’t move than one that won’t stop.
Exploring Common Brake System Malfunctions
Having said that, any number of problems can arise with a vehicle’s brake system, each of which will bring about the need for auto repair Hesperia CA. Even a seemingly minor brake issue can lead to serious, and even potentially deadly, consequences. Take a look at some of the most common brake malfunctions and why they’re causes for concern.
Worn Brake Pads
Worn brake pads are certainly common issues for vehicle owners. When you press the brake pedal, that prompts the calipers that hold the brake pads to squeeze together against the rotors. That, in turn, creates friction that stops the vehicle. Each time that happens, it wears away some of the material on the brake pads. Eventually, all the material that makes the brake pads work gets worn away, and the brakes won’t work the way they’re supposed to. Having brake pads replaced before they reach that point is crucial.
Damaged Calipers
Damaged brake calipers can also be a problem. They may fail to squeeze against the rotors, or they could seize against the rotors and fail to retract. Either way, they can cause serious issues. If they won’t close on the rotors, they won’t stop the vehicle. On the other hand, if they won’t open, they could cause the brakes to overheat while also damaging the rotors, pads, and other components. Both are serious problems.
Fluid Leaks
Your vehicle’s brakes work on a hydraulic system. They use fluid to create pressure to make the brakes work properly. Leaks can develop in the brake lines or at their connections to the calipers, master cylinder, or other components. If the system loses fluid, there may not be enough left to create the right level of pressure for the brakes to function the way they should. Even a slow leak can cause trouble, so it’s best to have this problem resolved as quickly as possible.
Master Cylinder Failure
The master cylinder is an essential component of the brake system. It converts pressure applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure that’s sent to each of the vehicle’s brakes. If it fails, it could cause a loss of pressure in the system. That could render your entire brake system useless. Signs of a bad master cylinder include the brakes not feeling quite right or a complete loss of stopping power. Fluid leaks at the master cylinder could also be an indication of problems.
ABS Malfunctions
Anti-lock brake systems help keep your wheels from locking up when you have to make sudden stops. If the ABS is malfunctioning, it won’t do its job. As a result, you could feel the brakes locking up when you have to stop suddenly and unexpectedly. Conversely, the brakes may not respond at all when you hit the pedal. If your vehicle’s ABS light comes on, don’t hesitate to have the problem checked out and fixed.
Putting a Stop to Brake Problems
These are some of the most common brake problems people experience. Any of them could place you in serious danger. All the components of a vehicle’s brake system work together to give you the stopping power you need. If one of them isn’t working quite right, the others won’t necessarily bridge the gap. Be sure to have your brakes inspected and maintained regularly to help keep unexpected issues at a minimum.
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