What Are the Major Brake Parts

A Road Trip Through Your Brake System - Precision Imports

Even though you likely rely on certified technicians to make brake repairs on your vehicle, it helps to understand the major components and workings of your braking system. This allows you to participate more effectively in decisions that impact the expense and safety of auto ownership. Also, holding this basic knowledge helps you recognize the warning signs of brake trouble and relay relevant information to your mechanic. At Precision Imports in Manchester, New Hampshire, we want to partner with you to explain what your car needs, help you extend your knowledge about your auto, and repair your brakes in a manner that will keep you and your passengers safe.

Mapping Out Your Braking Components

Before you hit the road on your next trip, let's take a look at the road map for your braking system. Your vehicle's brakes work using hydraulics and friction. When you press the brake pedal, the force is transferred by a level and piston into the master cylinder, the reservoir that contains brake fluid. The fluid is forced by pressure through hoses to the cylinder located adjacent to each wheel. The tiny amount of force you place against the brake pedal is multiplied using the hydraulic principle. As the heightened pressure is applied to other braking system components, they operate using friction to stop the auto. Most modern vehicles have disc brakes on at least the front two wheels. The hydraulic force of the brake fluid against the caliper pushes the metal brake pad against the disc. As the metal parts rub against one another, friction slows and stops the car. The rear wheels of newer vehicles as well as all wheels on many older automobiles have drum brakes. These also work using friction. As a drum turns inside the wheel, the fluid force pushes brake shoes against the drum surface to reduce speed and stop the car.

Hit the Brakes for Our Shop

While it's great to have a little knowledge about your braking system, you may not want to perform brake work yourself. Without a proper location and tools, repairs can be tedious, time-consuming, dirty, and perhaps even unsafe. (Who wants all those nasty stains and oily residue all over the garage floor? And isn’t there a better way to spend Saturday afternoon?) However, you don't have to worry. If it's time for brake repairs, drive on over and hit the brakes in front of Precision Imports in Manchester, New Hampshire.