Car Brake Repair: Everything You Need To Know

Myrtle Beach’s stop and go traffic can be very tough on a car brake systems. Every time your foot touches the brake peddle you add a little wear and reduce the life of your brakes. This is why it’s important to understand how your vehicle’s system works, the signs of wear, and when to get your car in to see our Myrtle Beach mechanics to fix any issues.

Step one is if you are having a hard time stopping, hearing scraping or grinding, or feel your car getting pulled to one side when breaking, stop reading this and give us a call at (843) 293-6793 or make an appointment at Turn Key Auto Repair. You may have a safety issue on your hands.

Two Types Of Car Brakes

In order to know when you may have brake system issue it helps to understand how your car stops when you hit the brake peddle. Your car has either one or two types of breaks, disc brakes or drum brakes. With both types of brakes hydraulic pressure is created when you push the peddle which is used to create friction and bring your car to a stop.

• Disc Brakes: You typically see these just behind the rims on most newer cars and they work by pushing two brake pads on either side of a center disc, called a rotor. Disc brakes are widely considered the better option for passenger cars where they do a better job dissipating heat, stopping in wet conditions and more controllable. However they are more expensive than the second type of brake, drum brakes.
• Drum Brakes: are often found on rear wheels and use a drum that rotates with the wheel, a set of break shoes inside the drum expand when you hit the peddle and create the friction needed to stop. While drum brakes are less expensive, they don’t have the stopping power or controllability of disc brakes.

Warning Signs Of Aging Brakes

Not only is it embarrassing to come to a stop with squealing breaks, it’s a sign of a serious issue. When you hear unusual noise when you apply the brakes there is cause for concern and investigation. These are the three most common sounds and associated causes. If you hear any of these, it’s a good idea to get into the shop.

• Scraping or Squealing: This may not be a sign of a serious issue and may simply be due to picking up some road debris or a bit of rust on your rotors if your car has sat a while.
• Squeaking: This may be the first sign your brakes are toward the end of their life. While inexpensive brake pads can squeak, most likely the sound you are hearing is the brake wear indicator touching the rotor. This is a built-in warning system that your pads are just about worn out and in need of replacement. Plan on getting into the shop right away.
• Grinding: If you hear grinding, stop immediately and investigate. Most likely you had been hearing squeaking, but ignored it for too long and now your pads are worn down to the rotors. This can get expensive so stop and call for help.

Full Service Car Brake Repair In Myrtle Beach

Turn Key Auto Repair offers everything from simple diagnostics and break pad and shoe replacement right through complete break system repair and replacement. You can learn more about our Myrtle Beach brake services here.

• Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement:
  • This is typically the problem when you start hearing your brakes squeak and squeal. A brake job like this is simple and inexpensive. However if you go too long, you may have more serious issues.
• Rotor Resurfacing:
  • Resurfacing your rotors are an important step to keep your breaks working like new. Over time, dirt, road debris, and your pads will cause scrapes and cracks to appear on your rotors. By resurfacing them you can extend your brakes life and have them working like new.
• Caliper Repair & Replacement:
  • If you car is pulling to one side when you brake you may have a caliper issue. The calipers are what holds your brake pads and if they are not working properly can lead to very, very, serious safety issues.
• Brake Fluid Servicing:
  • Over time your brake fluid can brake down, absorb water, and generally become less effective. A brake fluid flush will remove your old, potentially corrosive, fluid and replace it with new fluid. Most manufacturers recommend you change your brake fluid ever 45,000 miles (depending on driving conditions). This service is also critical to keep your overall system working properly.
• Brake Lines & Hoses:
  • That hydraulic pressure that is created when you hit the brake peddle is carried through your system in high pressure hoses (aka brake lines). A leak can cause you to loose breaking ability so the ASE certified mechanics at Turn Key always inspect these during any brake job and recommend replacing lines as they show wear and/or cracking.

Now that you understand how your car breaks work, the common failure points, and how you can identify issues you’re ready to hit the road. When it comes time for service, consider the Myrtle Beach mechanics at Turn Key Auto Repair. We offer fast service at a great rate and we’re always happy to take our time and walk you through any service needed. We’re not happy until you’re happy. Call us at (843) 293-6793 or make an appointment online today!