What is power brake service and why do I need to have it done?

Imagine: you pour a tablespoon of water in your hand and throw it as hard as you can. Now, suppose you suck up a tablespoon of water into a syringe, push the plunger and squirt it out. Which would go further?

Of course it’s the water squirting out of the syringe. That’s because you pressurized the water. Your power brake system is kind of the same thing. When you step on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pressurizes brake fluid which actuates the brakes so you can stop. Auto owners who don’t have enough pressure – can’t stop.

A leak in your brake system would diminish – or even eliminate – your stopping power. Brake fluid attracts moisture which can cause detrimental leak-inducing corrosion. So a great way for drivers to keep their brake fluid free of contaminants is to change it as recommended.

Enough brake fluid is key for the proper function of anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems. Douglas Automotive Repair, Inc.  will check your brake fluid level during a full-service oil change. If it’s low it may indicate that a thorough brake inspection is important. Low brake fluid is most commonly caused by worn brake pads.

Some of the signs of a leak are reduced stopping power and spongy or hard pedal feel. If you suspect a problem, come into Douglas Automotive Repair, Inc. for a brake inspection right away.

This entry was posted in Brakes, Preventive Maintenance, Safety, Vehicle Maintenance and tagged Brakes, Safety, Vehicle Maintenance on June 19, 2014.