Pulidos Wheels and Tires provides Brake Repair services to Moreno Valley, CA, Riverside, CA, Perris, CA, and other surrounding areas.

How Your Brake System Should Work

The brake system's primary purpose is to reduce the vehicle's speed or bring it to a complete stop. This system operates on a simple yet sophisticated principle, using friction to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat, effectively slowing down the wheels. When the driver presses the brake pedal, a series of hydraulic and mechanical components work together to apply pressure on the brake pads or brake shoes, components found in disc brakes and drum brakes respectfully. The pads or shoes press against the rotors or drums attached to each wheel, creating friction that slows down the wheel's rotation.

This orchestrated process involves the brake pedal, master cylinder, brake lines, brake fluid, and the brakes themselves at each wheel. Modern vehicles often integrate advanced technologies, like anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining steering control and reducing stopping distances under certain conditions.

There is also the parking brake, which serves as a secondary braking system designed to keep the vehicle stationary when parked, regardless of the primary brake system's condition. Also known as the emergency brake, handbrake, or e-brake, this system works independently of the vehicle's hydraulic brake system. It typically uses a cable that, when activated, mechanically applies force to the rear brakes. This can be via a lever between the front seats, a pedal near the driver's footwell, or, in modern cars, an electronic button that activates the mechanism. The parking brake can prevent the vehicle from rolling away when parked on a slope or in any situation where the vehicle needs to be fixed in place.

Signs that You Need a Brake Repair

Knowing when to replace the brakes or schedule a brake repair is important for maintaining your vehicle's safety and performance. If you notice any of the following, have your brakes inspected by a professional:

Squealing or Grinding Noises: If you hear a high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes or a grinding sound, it's possible that the pads are worn out and need replacement. Brakes often squeal when they need to be replaced by design. Many brake pads have a small metal indicator that becomes exposed once the pad material wears down to a certain point. When the brakes are applied, this metal indicator rubs against the rotor, creating a high-pitched squealing sound. This noise serves as an audible warning that the brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced to maintain effective braking performance and safety. The grinding noise often suggests that the pads have worn down completely, possibly damaging the rotors.

Vibrations or Pulsing: Feeling vibrations or pulsing in the brake pedal when braking typically points to warped rotors. This warping can occur due to excessive heat and stress on the brakes.

Taking Longer to Stop: If you notice that your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual, it's possible that you have worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or air in the hydraulic lines.

Brake Warning Light: Most vehicles have a dashboard warning light that indicates an issue with the brake system, whether it's a fluid problem, an ABS issue, or general brake wear You should seek an auto repair shop when this light appears to identify and correct the cause.

Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: A brake pedal that feels softer than usual or depresses further to the floor before engaging may indicate a problem such as air in the hydraulic lines, low brake fluid, or failing brake components.

Pulling to One Side When Braking: If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could signal uneven wear of brake pads, a stuck caliper, or a collapsed brake hose.

Don't let worn brakes put you and your loved ones at risk. At Pulidos Wheels and Tires, we use the latest tools and techniques to ensure your vehicle's brake system operates like it should. Book your appointment for brake repair in Moreno Valley, CA so you can drive with peace of mind again.