The brake system in your car is the only guarantee you have that you'll be able to bring your car to a stop. This makes it, perhaps, the most important part of the vehicle. Because of this, you need to have a good understanding of how the brake system in your car works and also the possible problems it can experience.

How the Hydraulic Brakes Work

The operating principle of the brakes in your car is fairly simple. When you step on the brake pedal, force is transmitted to the components of the wheels via an incompressible fluid (hydraulic brake fluid); this force is what makes the wheels stop spinning. 

There may be other components involved but at its simplest, the components of the system consist of cylinders, lines, pads, and the rotor. The fluid is contained by the cylinders and the lines while the rotor increases the power of the force that's put into the system. The pads are abrasive surfaces that produce the friction needed to stop the car.

Common Braking Issues

There are a few issues you should be on the lookout for when it comes to braking:

1. Less Braking power: If you notice it's taking longer for your car to come to a stop or you have to press harder on the pedal for the brakes to work, there is a problem. There are several issues that may be causing this including a leakage of brake or a problem with the booster.    

2. The pedal is hard to press: The brake booster adds power to the input so there's enough force to stop the car easily. If the booster fails, the pedal will be harder to press and, thus, the power you'll be able to apply to the brakes will be limited.

3. A squealing sound when braking: This is usually a sign that you should have the shoes and brake pads inspected. The problem is often worn pads. However, if left unaddressed, this could damage other parts of the car.

Getting Your Brakes Repaired

As previously mentioned, the brakes play a crucial role in your safety and that of the car; this means that any repairs need to be carried out with this in mind. You should only go for the best brake repair services to ensure that you're getting your money's worth and that you're not taking a chance with someone who'll cut corners or has no idea what they're doing.

To learn more, contact a car repair shop like George's Eastside Shell.