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Brake System
Your vehicle's braking system is an essential safety feature, vital for ensuring your safety and that of others on the road. At Differentials Plus, we recognize the importance of properly functioning brakes. That's why we provide complimentary visual brake inspections to assess their condition. Whether it's during a routine oil change or a dedicated visit, our skilled technicians conduct thorough checks on various components, including drum and disc brakes, shoes, pads, and rotors. With expertise spanning across different makes and models, we are equipped to diagnose and address any brake-related issues promptly and effectively.
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.
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 repair costs to potential accidents, the true cost of poor brake maintenance extends beyond the initial investment.
Repair Expenses: Ignoring routine brake 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 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 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.