Confused About Your Mechanic’s Lingo? Here’s a “Brake”-Down of What They’re Saying

When you take your vehicle to an auto shop for a brake inspection in Gary, IN, your mechanic will perform a thorough visual and computerized check. They will either be looking for the cause of a specific complaint, or the car is in need of a diagnosis to identify the reasons for an unknown noise, odor or “feel.” Hiring a professional is your best bet, but you might not understand what’s being said when they try to communicate the problem to you. If the terms your auto mechanic uses leaves you scratching your head, you’re not alone! Read on for a “brake”-down of what they’re trying to tell you.

How brakes work

The braking system on your vehicle is made up of a number of parts, all of which are connected and work together to ensure your brakes function properly and safely. If you drive a car, then you know that the brake pedal is on the left, and the gas pedal situated on the right. Drive a manual transmission? The clutch is the pedal furthest to the left, located to the left of the brake.

Here’s how brakes work: When you press down on the brake pedal, the cylinder that delivers brake fluid to the calipers is activated. This engages your brake pads. The pads apply pressure to the rotors to create enough friction to stop your car. Every part in your braking system works together to make sure you have stopping power that is safe and precise.

About brake inspections

Most of us don’t know what goes on behind the scenes when our cars go in for a brake inspection in Gary, IN. And unless you’re a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, why would you? For those with curious minds, here’s a rundown of the basics.

First, you’ll hear the terms “comprehensive” and “extensive” used to describe your brake inspection. This is because mechanics aren’t going to only look at one single part of your brake system—they’ll check the entire thing for potential problems. A typical inspection includes checking brake pads or shoes, calipers, wheel cylinders, rotors or drums, hoses, springs, condition of fluids, wheel bearings and more.

Check your owner’s manual for specific brake inspection intervals, but do take your car in anytime you suspect there’s a problem with your brakes.

Key brake components

Let’s review a few of the most important car brake parts and components:

• Brake pads: These are the parts that make contact with your rotors and cause friction so you can stop your vehicle.
• Rotors: These are connected to each tire. The rotors must stop spinning before you can stop your car.
• Brake hose: Press the brake pedal and brake fluid travels through the brake hose to each caliper. This activates the brake pads.
• Caliper: This part applies pressure and activates the brake pads so the pads can make contact with the rotors. A caliper cannot function properly without brake fluid.
• Brake fluid: This is needed to help your brakes function successfully. It gives energy to brake parts so they can stop your car.

Got brake issues? Call the team at Miller Brakes and Mufflers, Inc. to schedule a complete brake inspection in Gary, IN!

Categorised in: Brake Service

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