Braking system maintenance

The brakes are essential for your safety while you are driving and for this reason, our experts carry out a complete checkup of the braking system to inspect each component. Then, each component is inspected to analyze its wear and be replaced if necessary.

At Point S we are convinced that safety should not be a question of budget and for this reason, we are committed to providing you with this service at the most affordable price. For brake replacement and maintenance, you can visit the nearby workshops. 

What is the braking system?

The braking system is a complex system, composed of a group of mechanical, electronic and hydraulic elements that use the clutch to be able to slow down and stop the vehicle in motion in the best conditions. A good braking system assures us:

• Stability in keeping the vehicle under control
• Efficiency in a short time and little space
• Progressivity with braking proportional to the driver’s effort
• Comfort with minimal effort from the driver

The braking system is composed of several elements, the two main ones are:

The brake pads allow you to slow down the rotation of the wheel by exerting pressure on the discs. In each wheel there are two brake pads, each positioned to the side of the discs. The duration of a pad varies according to the number of braking performed and their intensity. Therefore, with each braking, the clutch of the pad on the disc wears the coating of the two elements. 

Discs are metal elements attached to the wheel hub. They are used to slow down the movement of the wheels and thus stop the vehicle. 

How does ABS work?

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System, from German Antiblockiersystem) has been mandatory for car manufacturers since 2004. The purpose of ABS is to avoid locking the wheels when braking suddenly and to keep the car stable. In this way, the driver is able to maintain control of the vehicle in the event of an emergency braking and the risk of an accident is avoided. 

During braking, the ABS system works with:

• A hydraulic unit that regulates brake fluid pressure
• An electronic computer that controls the hydraulic unit
• A speed sensor that informs the computer of the speed of each wheel
• An indicator on the dashboard that signals malfunctions

Brake wear indicators

The brakes can wear on two levels, on the pads and on the discs. Find out what are the indicators that allow you to evaluate the condition of your brakes. 

Pad wear indicators

When the pads are about to run out, a special light comes on on the dashboard. But you can also consider the following signs to understand what the state of your brakes is:

• A loss of braking efficiency
• Pads that whistle
• The brake pedal gets lower and lower when we brake
• Vibrations during braking
• Check the brake fluid level. When a pad is worn, the master cylinder uses more fluid.

 You should replace the brake pads for proper braking before they are fully worn. 

Brake disc wear indicators

The wear of the brake discs varies according to the weight of the vehicle, the driving style and the type of roads traveled. In fact, city driving causes the discs to wear faster than highway driving, as it forces you to hit the brakes more and more frequently. 

• When braking suddenly, a vibration is felt in the pedal
• During a visual inspection, the discs show grooves
• The minimum thickness is indicated on each disc. If it is less, the disk needs to be replaced.

When to replace the brakes?

Brakes are an item that should be checked regularly by a professional to make sure the vehicle is safe. In fact, the brakes wear out over time and the effectiveness of braking decreases. In addition, the wear of the brake system depends on the driving style and other factors. Maintenance of the brake caliper and regular replacement of brake fluid prevent damage to other components and avoid costly repairs. 

We recommend that you have your vehicle’s brake system checked at least twice a year to increase its service life. As you will have understood, the maintenance of the braking system is important for your safety, make an appointment with our experts or visit the nearest Point S dealer and have your car’s brakes checked. 

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