Vintage Auto Parts: Tips for Restorers and Repairers

Vintage Auto Parts: Tips for Restorers and Repairers

2 Frequently Asked Questions About Car Brake Repair

Malena Capel

You don't have to be a car expert to understand some of the basics of your vehicle's brake system so that you can determine if you have a serious issue or if your brakes merely need some brake fluid. So to help you gain just a basic understanding of your car's brakes, here are the answers to two common questions that people have about this important component of your vehicle.

What Are Some Symptoms of Bad Brakes? -- To understand what to look out for, it's important to know the major parts of your car's brakes, which include brake rotors, brake pads, brake drums and the master cylinder. The most common breakdown of a vehicle's brakes will occur with the pads and rotors. The brake pads are designed to squeeze around the rotors of your brakes, which slows them down every time you apply your foot to the brake pedal. Brake rotors are the main component of your vehicle's braking system and they spin when your pedal engages. But without the brake pads, the rotors would simply spin endlessly, which would obviously affect your braking system. When the rotors or pads start to wear down, you will typically feel a heavy vibration in your steering wheel or hear a squealing or squeaking sound each time you hit the brake pedal. In addition, if your vehicle is slow to brake as you depress the brake pedal, that is a strong indication that your brakes are failing.

How Important Is It To Heed the Brake Warning Light? -- The brake warning light is designed to alert you when there is a potential leak in one of your brake lines, which can cause a massive brake bill if not taken care of as soon as possible. Leaks are most common in the brake hoses, brake lines or the master cylinder, which creates the pressure needed for your brakes to engage. A leak of brake fluid is dangerous, because if that leak isn't detected and repaired, the fluid can compromise the brake pads and render them incapable of providing the right amount of power to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. However, the brake warning light will also light up to inform you that your brake fluid level has gone below a safe level, and that you need to top it off. You can locate your brake fluid reservoir in your vehicle manual and check the level. If it's low, you can fill it up with the fluid recommended for your vehicle. In many cases this will solve the issue. However, if your brake warning light continues to flash, visit your local auto mechanic or break specialist, such as those at Stopmaster Brake Service Pty Ltd, for a full diagnostic evaluation.


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About Me
Vintage Auto Parts: Tips for Restorers and Repairers

My name is George. After working as a teacher for two decades, I retired, and now, my heart, hands and time are wrapped up in restoring a vintage car. I love it, and I want to share some of the minutia of that passion with others. My wife doesn't always want to hear about auto parts, but they are always on my mind. I want a place where I can share buying tips, restoration tips and repair tips, and this blog is the perfect place. I plan to write about my own restoration work as well as general info on auto parts. Thanks for reading.

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