BRAKE SERVICE
Brake Service & Brake Replacement Near Me
Brake pads and rotors are essential components of your vehicle’s braking system, designed to work together to safely bring your car to a stop.
As you apply the brakes, the brake pads press against the rotors, creating the necessary friction to slow down your vehicle. This friction, while crucial for effective braking, causes both the pads and rotors to wear down over time.
Regular inspection and maintenance of these components are essential to ensure your brakes function properly, keeping you safe on the road. At Differentials Plus, we offer brake inspections, brake pad and rotor replacement and brake drum & shoe adjustment or replacement.
Caliper Service
Caliper Service & Caliper Replacement Hixson, TN
Your brake caliper works like a clamp on the rotor of the wheel, halting its rotation when you apply the brakes. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid exerts pressure on the pistons within the caliper, pushing the brake pads against the rotor, this is generating friction and slowing down your car.
Overtime, your calipers can become worn, seals can break down, or rust and debris can cause sticking of the piston or slide pins and this can cause the caliper to fail. We usually call this ceasing and it is extremely dangerous. Your braking system is arguably the most important safety system in your vehicle.
If you are feeling that the vehicle pulls to one side, feel like your brakes are active when you aren't engaging them, notice a brake fluid leak or smoke coming from your brakes make an appointment at Differentials Plus to get your brakes inspected.
Brake Fluid Service
Brake Fluid Service
Brake Fluid Flush Near Me
Just like your engine oil, your brake fluid requires regular maintenance. Preventative brake fluid service varies across the brands but it typically done about every 3 years or every 45,000 miles.
Modern vehicles rely on hydraulic brakes for slowing and stopping. Although the hydraulic brake system is sealed, brake fluid—also known as hydraulic fluid—can become contaminated after years of normal operation. This occurs as the additives in the fluid degrade over time or as moisture infiltrates the system, altering the brake fluid’s chemical properties. Contaminated brake fluid can significantly impact brake performance, leading to symptoms such as a soft or spongy brake pedal or a longer stopping distance during hard braking.
If you experience these issues, it’s crucial to have your brake fluid checked at Differentials Plus.
Drum & Shoe Service
Drum & Shoe Service, Drum & Shoe Replacement Hixson, TN
Most newer model vehicles are equipped with disc brake systems in the front and rear. Older vehicles typically have disc brakes in the front but drum brakes in the rear.
Drum brakes are designed to last 150-200,000 miles so replacement isn't necessary as often as disc brake systems. They do, however, require cleaning and adjustment to continue to work at their best. We normally recommend an adjustment every 2-3 years.
With our complimentary inspection during each service, we will be bring that to your attention if it is needed.
Shoe and drum replacement may be required at a certain milage, defect or damage. At Differentials Plus we are equipped to service any brake system you may have. As always, if you notice a change in your normal braking, stop in for a brake inspection so we can determine if you need an adjustment or repair.
What's Next?
Give us a call to schedule an appointment and make sure you give us as much detail as possible. This will help us get to the root of the problem quickly and have you back on the road sooner.
Evaluation & Inspection
We will inspect and diagnose your vehicle using specific tests and diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the root problem. We use the same equipment as your OEM so you can rest assured your vehicle diagnosis is accurate.
Authorization
We won't perform any services to your vehicle without your authorization. We will provide a digital inspection report with photos and videos and a detailed estimate so you can make an informed decision.
Render Services
We know it's a hassle to be without your vehicle so we do our best to complete all approved work the same day. If that is not possible it will be communicated to you during the authorization process.
LEARN MORE
Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes
Drum brakes and disc brakes are two common types of braking systems used in vehicles. Drum brakes, consisting of brake shoes within a drum, operate by pressing the shoes against the inner walls of the drum to slow down the vehicle. In contrast, disc brakes utilize brake pads clamped onto a rotating disc (rotor) to generate friction and stop the vehicle. While both systems serve the same purpose of slowing down or stopping a vehicle, they differ in terms of design, operation, and performance characteristics. Drum brakes are typically found on rear wheels and are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, while disc brakes, commonly used on front wheels, offer superior stopping power and heat dissipation, especially during heavy braking. Each braking system has its advantages and is used based on factors such as vehicle design, performance requirements, and budget considerations.
The Cost of Poor Brake Maintenance
Maintaining a vehicle's brakes is often overlooked until an issue arises, but neglecting brake maintenance can have significant financial implications and jeopardize safety on the road. From increased brake repair costs to potential accidents, the true cost of poor brake maintenance extends beyond the initial investment.
Repair Expenses: Ignoring routine brake repairs and maintenance can lead to premature wear and damage to braking components, resulting in costly repairs. Over time, worn brake pads, warped rotors, or malfunctioning brake calipers may require replacement, adding up to hundreds of dollars in expenses. Regular brake service and inspections and timely repairs can prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs, saving money in the long run.
In the photos above you can see the difference between a new and very used pad. When the pad material gets very low or is worn off completely is when you will start to see the pad cause damage to the vehicle rotors. In this case the pads caused severe damage. You can see the difference between the two rotor photos. The far right photo is a brand new smooth rotor but the one next to has deep grooves caused by the brake pad. When the rotors become damaged like this you will begin to feel vibration/pulsation in the brake pedal and/or steering wheel and you'll probably start to hear some grinding or squeaking while braking. Adding rotors to your brake job will increase your cost significantly so regular pad maintenance will really help prolong the life of those rotors.
Safety Risks: Perhaps the most significant cost of poor brake maintenance is the risk to safety. Brake safety is an integral part of responsible driving. Malfunctioning brakes compromise a vehicle's ability to stop quickly and effectively, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. This is why regular brake service and inspections, recognizing warning signs of brake problems, seeking professional maintenance, practicing safe driving habits, and understanding the legal implications of neglected brake safety are key steps to ensuring your safety on the road. The financial costs pale in comparison to the potential human cost of accidents caused by neglected brake maintenance.