The importance of your vehicle’s braking system can not be downplayed. Your vehicle’s alignment is something that receives less attention, but it is also very important to the safety and performance of your vehicle. Having poor wheel alignment can actually have a negative impact on your vehicle’s braking performance. Does Alignment Affect Brakes? Poor wheel alignment can negatively affect your braking performance. When the wheels aren’t properly aligned, one tire can have less traction than the tire on the other side. This makes it hard for the brakes to apply pressure evenly to each side. A ..read more

Brake pads are an essential component to the operation of your vehicle. When they wear out unevenly on either side, it generally points to a bigger problem with the braking system. This post will discuss brake pad wear and what to do if they are wearing out unevenly.  Wear Sensors Brake wear sensors are electronic sensors that tell you when it’s time to change your brake pads. This handy electronic tool was pioneered in high-end German vehicles. It can help you identify if your brakes are wearing unevenly. Before electronic wear sensors, there were mechanical wear indicators. These were ..read more

Turning the rotors, also known as resurfacing, uses a machine to return the rotor surface to a perfectly flat state. In this post we’ll share info and answer some common questions about turning brake rotors. What Does “Turning A Rotor” Mean? When a brake rotor is brand new, the friction surface of the rotor is perfectly flat. (The friction surface is the area where the brake pads make contact with the rotor.) As the brakes are used, the pads wear down, and the friction surface of the rotor also wears. Often it will develop small grooves, and it may develop a buildup of deposits left by the br ..read more

Inspecting your brake pads and rotors is an important part of regular maintenance. Brakes are a wear item and several factors can determine how long they will last, including: Driving style Driving routine Annual mileage Climate conditions Geographic location Test Drive How your brakes feel and sound while driving can indicate possible excessive brake wear. Here are some things to check for while driving: Warning Indicator If the red brake light is illuminated, the fluid may be low if the pads are worn thin. If an amber brake light is illuminated, an electronic sensor detects worn brake pa ..read more

The braking system is the most vital safety system in your vehicle. Engineers spend countless hours calibrating braking systems for maximum performance, efficiency, and safety. Part of their process is calibrating brake bias. What Is Brake Bias? Image Credit: AutoEvolution Brake bias, or brake balance, is the percentage of braking force that’s applied to the front wheels. This is done in order to account for weight transfer that occurs during braking. On rear-wheel-drive cars, there is approximately 60-70% brake bias and on front-wheel-drive cars, there is about 70-80% brake bias. This means 6 ..read more

A brake booster is a component that multiplies braking force when the driver applies the brake pedal. This brings the vehicle to a stop with reduced foot pressure on the pedal. Before brake boosters, manual brakes required much more effort to press the brake pedal and stop the vehicle. A brake booster ensures maximum braking power is available with minimal pedal pressure. There are a few different types of brake boosters in use today: Vacuum Brake Booster Systems Hydro-Boost Brake Booster Systems Electro-Hydraulic Brake Booster Systems Read on for an explanation of each system type. Vacuum ..read more

Symptoms of a brake fluid leak can be gradual or sudden. The brake pedal may feel mushy or drop to the floor, and you may see a brake warning light. If you suspect there is a leak in the brake system, it’s important to diagnose it promptly. Leaks can pose an immediate safety risk with a loss of hydraulic pressure and entry of air and contaminants into the system. Possible Leak Locations Image Credit: TheSamba There are many points where brake fluid can leak from the brake system, including: Brake lines or hoses Caliper pistons Wheel cylinders Master cylinder Bleeder screws ABS Module We’ll w ..read more

Do you know you need to change your brake fluid? Many people are unaware that their brake systems even contain fluid. Just like replacing pads and rotors, changing your brake fluid is a key part of your vehicle’s maintenance.  What Is Brake Fluid? Most modern vehicles come equipped with hydraulic brakes. Brake fluid is an integral component of the hydraulic braking system. It drives caliper pistons which drive brake pads. This creates the necessary friction against the brake rotors to stop the vehicle at the push of the pedal. Learn more about brake fluid here.  How To Check Your Br ..read more

The Mercedes GLC and GLE SUVs are packed with the latest in technology and luxury amenities. These heavy vehicles need better brakes to maintain their top-notch stopping power. Original manufacturer parts for these vehicles are pricy. Fortunately, there are several cost-effective aftermarket options that offer better performance.  Getting OEM brakes from the dealership can cost over $1,000 depending on the specific model. The original brakes can be noisy and produce excessive brake dust. Upgrading the type of pad or rotors you use can help remedy these issues. Different Types of Brake Ki ..read more

Wheel cylinders are a critical component of drum brakes, applying the necessary force to the brake shoes to stop your vehicle. If you have a car with drum brakes and notice one or more of the following symptoms, it could be a problem with a wheel cylinder: Soft or spongy brake pedal The brake pedal goes to the floor The car pulls to one side or stops unevenly Signs of leaks on the backside of the wheel or brake assembly Image Credit: TheSamba These symptoms could also result from an issue with your master cylinder or brake lines. This guide shows you what to check if your brake pedal goes to ..read more