Wherever your car or truck takes you, you must have reliable brakes to keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe. While some brake problems may arise suddenly, others start as minor issues that worsen over time. Fortunately, they’ll give you some signs that it’s time for a brake check or brake service: If you spot a red flag such as grinding, vibration, or squealing, you should immediately take your car in for brake servicing.
When drivers in Kyle, TX, need a brake check or brake repair, they trust Reliable Automotive to get the job done. As our name suggests, we’re the most reliable chain of brake shops in Texas. We can handle your brake repairs ASAP and provide friendly service to put you at ease. We offer extensive brake services, such as:
- Brake friction/hydraulic system inspection
- Brake rotor/drum resurfacing or turning
- Brake fluid flush/replacement
- Brake pad replacement
- Wheel bearing inspection and repacking (if applicable)
- Lubrication of brake caliper and hardware
Get Brake Service from the Best Local Technicians
At Reliable Automotive, the unbeatable service we provide is possible thanks to our team of qualified technicians. Our technicians are ASE-certified, which gives them the experience and expertise they need to work on all kinds of makes and models. They’re well prepared to fix your car’s brakes and rotors—no matter the issue.
The technicians at Reliable Automotive’s Kyle auto repair shop use high-quality equipment and parts on the job. They can have your brake problems diagnosed before you know it, and they’ll use reliable aftermarket/OEM auto parts to fix them.
The Importance of Regular Brake Inspections
Even the best braking system won’t last forever. The exact rate at which your brakes will wear down is based on several factors, such as your driving habits and your vehicle’s current braking hardware. The bottom line is that brake wear-and-tear is inevitable.
But this shouldn’t be cause for alarm. Instead, tackle the issue head-on by scheduling a regular brake check with the professionals. Most drivers will take care of this every 6,000 miles, every six months, or after severe problems arise. To make things simple, consider asking the folks at Reliable Automotive in Kyle for a brake check during your next oil change to get this service at no extra cost.
Braking System Warning Signs
No matter how often you have your car’s brakes inspected, there’s still a chance that you’ll run into problems. Motorists in Kyle need to look out for:
- Yellow brake fluid leakage
- Little to no resistance in the brake pedal while braking
- Unusual squealing/grinding/thumping noises
- The vehicle heading to one side while braking
- Braking requiring extra distance
- Vibrations in the brake pedal while braking
When you notice any of these problems, take your car to Reliable Automotive for a check-up to learn more.
How Does Your Brake System Work?
It’s a good idea for any Kyle-area driver to understand the basics of how brakes work. Early braking systems were relatively simple, but these systems have become more sophisticated with time. The exact workings of your braking system will vary based on the model of your car, but most systems use disc brakes in the front and disc or drum brakes in the rear. Keep reading to get a quick overview of some prominent braking components:
Hydraulics
Master Cylinder
Your car’s master cylinder is essentially a pressure converter. As soon as you begin to brake, the master cylinder converts the pressure from your foot on the pedal into hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pressure then pushes brake fluid into the wheels’ braking components.
Brake Lines/Hoses
These lines and hoses send pressurized brake fluid to the braking units in your vehicle’s wheels.
Wheel Cylinders/Brake Calipers
In cars with disc brake systems, brake calipers squeeze brake pads against the rotor. In contrast, drum brake systems use wheel cylinders (a pair of cylinders above the brake shoe surrounded by rubber-sealed pistons) to exert force on brake shoes once pressure has been applied. These shoes are then pressed into the drum, slowing or stopping your car.
Friction Materials
Brake Pads and Shoes
In disc brake systems, pistons squeeze brake pads against a car’s disc during the braking process. Vehicles using drum brakes in the rear (mostly older cars) rely on brake shoes to generate stopping friction.
How These Components Work
The moment you push down on your brake pedal, it activates the master cylinder plunger, sending brake fluid through your lines and hoses. This fluid can’t be compressed, so it moves through brake lines without losing any pressure or momentum.
Introducing air into brake fluid can noticeably impact the performance of your brakes. Air, unlike brake fluid, can compress. This creates a “spongy” feeling when using your brakes. Luckily, the bleeder screws on each of the wheel cylinders can be removed to dispel this unwanted air.
Set Up Brake Service Today!
Whenever you need brake repair in Kyle, TX, choose Reliable Automotive to get it done! To schedule an appointment, simply complete our online form. While you’re at it, take a look at our brake specials!
