Comprehensive Brake Services for Your Safety

How Your Car's Brakes Work

Modern cars primarily use two types of brake systems:

• Disc Brakes: Most common on front wheels (and increasingly on all four), disc brakes use a caliper to squeeze brake pads against a spinning rotor, creating friction to slow and stop the wheel.
• Drum Brakes: Often found on rear wheels, drum brakes use shoes that press outward against the inside of a spinning drum to create friction.
  

Both systems rely on hydraulic pressure, transmitted by brake fluid, to engage the braking components. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is an advanced safety feature that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing you to steer while stopping.

When Do You Need Brake Service? Common Warning Signs

Don't ignore these crucial indicators that your brakes need attention:

• Squealing or Squeaking: A high-pitched noise, especially when lightly applying brakes, often signals worn brake pads. Many pads have a built-in wear indicator designed to produce this sound.
• Grinding Noise: A harsh, metallic grinding sound indicates severely worn brake pads, where the metal backing plate is now rubbing against the rotor. This requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.
• Vibration or Pulsation: A shaking in the steering wheel or brake pedal when braking can indicate warped brake rotors, which are typically caused by excessive heat.
• Soft or Spongy Pedal: If your brake pedal feels unusually soft, or goes nearly to the floor before engaging, it could mean air in the brake lines, low brake fluid, or a master cylinder issue.
• Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle veers to one side when braking, it might be due to a stuck caliper, unevenly worn brake pads, or a brake fluid issue on one side of the system.
• Burning Smell: A strong chemical or burning odor, particularly after heavy braking, can signify overheated brakes.
• Brake Warning Light: The illumination of your dashboard brake warning light (often a circle with an exclamation mark or the word "BRAKE") indicates a potential issue with the braking system or low brake fluid. The ABS light signals a problem with the anti-lock system.

Our Comprehensive Brake Services

At Champ's Auto Repair, our brake services include:

Brake Inspections: Thorough checks of all brake components, including pads, rotors/drums, calipers, brake lines, and brake fluid.

Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement: Replacing worn brake pads and resurfacing or replacing rotors as needed to ensure optimal stopping power.

Brake Fluid Flush & Replacement: Periodically replacing brake fluid (typically every 2 years or 24,000 miles) to remove moisture and contaminants that degrade braking performance and system integrity.

Caliper & Wheel Cylinder Service: Inspecting and servicing these critical components for proper operation.

Brake Line Repair: Addressing leaks or damage in the hydraulic brake lines.

ABS System Diagnostics & Repair: Diagnosing and repairing issues with your Anti-lock Braking System for enhanced safety.