Everyone that has ever driven a car knows what the brakes do, but not many people know how the parts of the brakes work together to stop the car. Budget Brakes is an expert on brake service, and we would like to share some of our knowledge with our customers so that they can better understand the way their vehicle’s brakes function.
There are different kinds of brakes, depending on the make and year model of each vehicle. The most common type of brakes we see at Budget Brakes are disc brakes and drum brakes, and most vehicles use both brake types, one on each set of wheels (front and back.) Regardless of which type of brakes a vehicle is using, the brakes stop the car relatively the same way.
To understand how brakes work, it is important to know the main parts of the brakes. They are: brake shoes or calipers and drums or discs, depending on which brake type is used. When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, a “message” is sent to the brakes to slow the car. On drum brakes, the brake shoes then begin to press against the drum, and this creates friction. The friction is what makes the car slow down. This works the same way with disc brakes, except the calipers press on the discs. If you have any brake questions, stop by Budget Brakes.
Why do my brakes make a screeching noise?
Brakes are one of the top priorities of vehicle maintenance, and it is well known that brakes wear as people drive their cars. One of the most common signs of wear are abnormal sounds coming from the brakes, but these sounds can indicate other, more serious problems as well. At Budget Brakes, technicians are trained to identify any problems with a vehicle’s brakes, and they can then determine how to correct any problems found.
Brakes can screech for a number of reasons, ranging from simply the driving conditions to serious problems. It is somewhat normal for a vehicle’s brakes to screech for a short amount of time during and after stressful driving conditions. If a vehicle’s brakes screech or make a rubbing sound every time they are applied, however, this can indicate more serious problems, such as extreme wearing of the brakes. Budget Brakes knows firsthand that if brakes are allowed to wear to a certain point, every individual part of the brake must then be replaced, rather than just a few parts.
Whatever the reason for screeching brakes, it is best to get an expert opinion to determine why it is happening. One of Budget Brakes experts will inspect your brakes free of charge if you are having this problem.
Brakes can screech for a number of reasons, ranging from simply the driving conditions to serious problems. It is somewhat normal for a vehicle’s brakes to screech for a short amount of time during and after stressful driving conditions. If a vehicle’s brakes screech or make a rubbing sound every time they are applied, however, this can indicate more serious problems, such as extreme wearing of the brakes. Budget Brakes knows firsthand that if brakes are allowed to wear to a certain point, every individual part of the brake must then be replaced, rather than just a few parts.
Whatever the reason for screeching brakes, it is best to get an expert opinion to determine why it is happening. One of Budget Brakes experts will inspect your brakes free of charge if you are having this problem.
What Kind of Brakes Does My Car or Truck Have?
It is best to know what kind of brakes your vehicle has. If you understand how your brakes work, you are more likely to know when there is a problem. Budget Brakes knows first-hand that different types of brakes must be treated differently.
Disk brakes are a common type of brake used in many vehicles. Disk brakes are a simple yet effective form of brakes. When you press the brake pedal, a flat, metal disk is pressed against the wheel to slow the car.
Drum brakes are another common form of brakes used in vehicles. They work by pressing a brake shoe against a metal disk. Although not as popular as disk brakes, drum brakes are an effective way to stop a vehicle.
Anti-lock brakes are the newest in brake technology and are used in most newer vehicles. They keep the vehicle’s wheels from locking when the brakes are quickly applied, preventing sliding.
Whatever your brake type, Budget Brakes can assist you in taking good care of them.
Disk brakes are a common type of brake used in many vehicles. Disk brakes are a simple yet effective form of brakes. When you press the brake pedal, a flat, metal disk is pressed against the wheel to slow the car.
Drum brakes are another common form of brakes used in vehicles. They work by pressing a brake shoe against a metal disk. Although not as popular as disk brakes, drum brakes are an effective way to stop a vehicle.
Anti-lock brakes are the newest in brake technology and are used in most newer vehicles. They keep the vehicle’s wheels from locking when the brakes are quickly applied, preventing sliding.
Whatever your brake type, Budget Brakes can assist you in taking good care of them.
How To Tell if Your Brakes Need Repair - a Tip from Budget Brakes
Budget Brakes encourages all drivers to be as safe as possible when driving. Brake problems are common, but some people aren’t aware that they have a brake problem. There are some warning signs to watch for to make sure your vehicle doesn’t have brake issues.
Brakes that make squeaking or grinding noises are a common sign of a problem. This usually means that the brake pads are worn, and parts are rubbing together. This can cause serious problems if not corrected in time.
If the vehicle is hard to slow down or stop, this can indicate a problem. The problem can be fixed simply by replacing any worn parts of the brakes.
A car that pulls to one side can also be a sign of damaged brakes. Brakes aren’t the only thing that can cause this, but it is best to get them checked anyway.
If you have any of these warning signs, come to Budget Brakes for a free inspection to check for any problems.
Brakes that make squeaking or grinding noises are a common sign of a problem. This usually means that the brake pads are worn, and parts are rubbing together. This can cause serious problems if not corrected in time.
If the vehicle is hard to slow down or stop, this can indicate a problem. The problem can be fixed simply by replacing any worn parts of the brakes.
A car that pulls to one side can also be a sign of damaged brakes. Brakes aren’t the only thing that can cause this, but it is best to get them checked anyway.
If you have any of these warning signs, come to Budget Brakes for a free inspection to check for any problems.
Ensure Road Safety With a Free Brake Exam at Budget Brakes
It is obvious that brakes are one of the most important safety features of a vehicle. It is important to make sure that your vehicle’s brakes are well maintained so that they will function properly. Regularly checking a vehicle’s brakes is one of the best ways to ensure safety when you are on the road. Budget Brakes does quality brake checks for any customer who would like their vehicle’s brakes inspected.
Keeping your brakes in good condition increases the overall safety of your vehicle. At Budget Brakes, we will work to make sure your brakes are in great condition. If you suspect a problem with your vehicle’s brakes, Budget Brakes will inspect them free of charge to search for any problems. If any problems are found, they will be dealt with in a quick and budget-friendly manner. By getting your brakes checked often, you lessen the chance of developing a serious brake problem.
Keeping your brakes in good condition increases the overall safety of your vehicle. At Budget Brakes, we will work to make sure your brakes are in great condition. If you suspect a problem with your vehicle’s brakes, Budget Brakes will inspect them free of charge to search for any problems. If any problems are found, they will be dealt with in a quick and budget-friendly manner. By getting your brakes checked often, you lessen the chance of developing a serious brake problem.
Winter Driving Tips from Budget Brakes
Winter isn’t necessarily something we really have to put up with in the sunnier parts of the US where most Budget brakes stores are like in Nashville, but that’s not to say it’s something we shouldn’t be aware of. At Budget Brakes, we know only too well that one of our customers might have to make an unexpected trip, and with winter on its way, being aware of what to expect is important for all drivers.
Take a look at our Budget Brakes top winter driving tips below:
1. Drive within your limits. If you can, drive during the day if possible and drive slower than usual. Ice, snow, rain and wind all contribute to dangerous driving that’s even more risky if you’re driving fast.
2. Check your vehicle is properly equipped and is fully maintained. Budget Brakes can check your alignment, braking and steering to make sure that everything’s OK for the drive. Also check that tires are appropriate for the weather. Make sure to check anti-freeze levels and ensure that you have plenty of gas. It’s often the smaller things such as tire pressure that people forget about.
3. Carry an emergency kit. Having a cell phone and a spare blanket to keep you warm are perhaps the two most important pieces of kit you can have, as if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere, it might be the only warmth available.
If you’re driving anywhere new or taking a long distance road trip – always consider getting your vehicle services beforehand. At Budget Brakes, we can help you with suspension, braking and steering maintenance for your car and truck. With coupons available for just about all our services – drop by and we’ll see what we can do.
Take a look at our Budget Brakes top winter driving tips below:
1. Drive within your limits. If you can, drive during the day if possible and drive slower than usual. Ice, snow, rain and wind all contribute to dangerous driving that’s even more risky if you’re driving fast.
2. Check your vehicle is properly equipped and is fully maintained. Budget Brakes can check your alignment, braking and steering to make sure that everything’s OK for the drive. Also check that tires are appropriate for the weather. Make sure to check anti-freeze levels and ensure that you have plenty of gas. It’s often the smaller things such as tire pressure that people forget about.
3. Carry an emergency kit. Having a cell phone and a spare blanket to keep you warm are perhaps the two most important pieces of kit you can have, as if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere, it might be the only warmth available.
If you’re driving anywhere new or taking a long distance road trip – always consider getting your vehicle services beforehand. At Budget Brakes, we can help you with suspension, braking and steering maintenance for your car and truck. With coupons available for just about all our services – drop by and we’ll see what we can do.
Why Perform Four Wheel Alignment – Is it Really Necessary?
Being honest, at Budget Brakes we’ve had to do our fair share of wheel alignments and in most cases while a two-wheel alignment is sufficient, we’ve seen on quite a few occasions just how necessary four-wheel alignments can be. Even though it’s proven to be value for money in terms of safety, many people think that four wheel alignment really is a waste of money. Budget Brakes techs have just performed an unnecessary service, but while we know the customer’s always right – the fact is that our primary goal is your safety.
These days, it’s not just the increasing number of four-wheel drive vehicles that have made four wheel alignments the standard at Budget Brakes, but the fact that numerous safety studies have proven that four wheel alignment is a great deal safer as it ensures that your vehicle is fully set up as according to the auto maker’s specs. While traditionally, it’s always been acceptable to align only the front wheels, the idea was that the rear nearly always stayed aligned. Sadly, as countless studies have proven – that’s not always true.
Today, as a result, many technicians are focusing on four-wheel alignment as their primary service. At Budget brakes, we completely agree because not only is it the safety-conscious thing to do, it’s also more economical for your tires, it’s also the only way to ensure that your wheels are set up according to specifications.
While it does cost a bit more than just a two-wheel alignment, with Budget Brakes coupons, you really can get a deal and have four-wheel alignment performed today. The safety benefits speak for themselves, and you’ll notice an increase in your tire wear almost straight away.
These days, it’s not just the increasing number of four-wheel drive vehicles that have made four wheel alignments the standard at Budget Brakes, but the fact that numerous safety studies have proven that four wheel alignment is a great deal safer as it ensures that your vehicle is fully set up as according to the auto maker’s specs. While traditionally, it’s always been acceptable to align only the front wheels, the idea was that the rear nearly always stayed aligned. Sadly, as countless studies have proven – that’s not always true.
Today, as a result, many technicians are focusing on four-wheel alignment as their primary service. At Budget brakes, we completely agree because not only is it the safety-conscious thing to do, it’s also more economical for your tires, it’s also the only way to ensure that your wheels are set up according to specifications.
While it does cost a bit more than just a two-wheel alignment, with Budget Brakes coupons, you really can get a deal and have four-wheel alignment performed today. The safety benefits speak for themselves, and you’ll notice an increase in your tire wear almost straight away.
Signs of Warped Rotors and How to Avoid Expensive Brake Repairs - Tip from Budget Brakes
Warped rotors are one of those hideously expensive service items that should never really happen if you change pads regularly, but when it does – it can be a bit of a fright when you see the repair bill for a new set of rotors. While it’s common for us at Budget Brakes to see people come in only at the very last stages of brake failure, we also know that if you guys came in a bit sooner – you’d save a small fortune.
Warped rotors really are a common sight at Budget Brakes, and the signs are vibration in the steering wheel when you brake, a pulsating brake pedal and increased stopping distances. Truthfully, it happens because either the pads haven’t been changed regularly, as the result of aggressive braking or finally because of hot brake pad material sticking to the rotor. When it gets too bad, the only solution is to replace them.
The good news is that if the problem is rotor wear and not material adhesion, it’s possible to switch rotors just as you do tires. This might help to save on expensive repair bills, but at Budget Brakes – the recommendation when it comes to brakes is to always replace with new as even if you do switch rotors, the old rotors will wear brake pads quicker.
To prevent warped rotors, the secret is to drive carefully, take advantage of engine braking and to avoid applying your brakes when they are hot and your vehicle is stationary. If you’re suffering from what you think is warped rotors, drop in at Budget Brakes, where we specialize in brakes, suspension and wheel alignment.
Warped rotors really are a common sight at Budget Brakes, and the signs are vibration in the steering wheel when you brake, a pulsating brake pedal and increased stopping distances. Truthfully, it happens because either the pads haven’t been changed regularly, as the result of aggressive braking or finally because of hot brake pad material sticking to the rotor. When it gets too bad, the only solution is to replace them.
The good news is that if the problem is rotor wear and not material adhesion, it’s possible to switch rotors just as you do tires. This might help to save on expensive repair bills, but at Budget Brakes – the recommendation when it comes to brakes is to always replace with new as even if you do switch rotors, the old rotors will wear brake pads quicker.
To prevent warped rotors, the secret is to drive carefully, take advantage of engine braking and to avoid applying your brakes when they are hot and your vehicle is stationary. If you’re suffering from what you think is warped rotors, drop in at Budget Brakes, where we specialize in brakes, suspension and wheel alignment.
Troubleshooting Suspension Problems with Budget Brakes
When your cars not driving quite like it should, often the problem lies within the suspension or the tires. Usually, there are some symptoms, and if you know about many of the more common symptoms that we see at Budget Brakes, you should be able to spot the problems before they turn into disasters. You’ll also be able to save a small fortune. We’ve taken a look at some of the problems we’ve recently encountered at Budget Brakes:
Car pulls to one side is actually a pretty common problem, and something that we see all too often when people head to stores other than Budget Brakes. 9 times out of 10 it’s all related to alignment. If you had it performed elsewhere, while it might be within tolerances, it could still need fine tuning or a full, four-wheel alignment at budget brakes. Other causes include a bad tire, or even a stuck brake (caliper).
Bouncy / Soft Suspension is a sign that your shocks / struts have problems. Often, we see this at Budget Brakes when customers bring in vehicles with aftermarket / performance parts that are made in China. A quick way to check is to push a corner of the car down and if it doesn’t ‘settle’ i.e. bounces a few times, you need to get your struts replaced at Budget Brakes.
Loose / Noisy Steering can be down to your power steering. Not so common, but every now and again a customer calls into Budget Brakes with one of these cases. If your steering feels weird – while it could be a problem with the suspension, it may be an issue with your power steering. Check the power steering tank is full, and if the problem persists, drop by Budget Brakes and we’ll see what we can do.
Car pulls to one side is actually a pretty common problem, and something that we see all too often when people head to stores other than Budget Brakes. 9 times out of 10 it’s all related to alignment. If you had it performed elsewhere, while it might be within tolerances, it could still need fine tuning or a full, four-wheel alignment at budget brakes. Other causes include a bad tire, or even a stuck brake (caliper).
Bouncy / Soft Suspension is a sign that your shocks / struts have problems. Often, we see this at Budget Brakes when customers bring in vehicles with aftermarket / performance parts that are made in China. A quick way to check is to push a corner of the car down and if it doesn’t ‘settle’ i.e. bounces a few times, you need to get your struts replaced at Budget Brakes.
Loose / Noisy Steering can be down to your power steering. Not so common, but every now and again a customer calls into Budget Brakes with one of these cases. If your steering feels weird – while it could be a problem with the suspension, it may be an issue with your power steering. Check the power steering tank is full, and if the problem persists, drop by Budget Brakes and we’ll see what we can do.
Replacing Wheel Bearings at Budget Brakes
Often, when having your brakes checked or wheels aligned, at Budget Brakes we’ll take the time to have a quick look for some easy to spot ‘problems’ that aren’t always visible when your cars not in the shop. At Budget Brakes, we pride ourselves on helping you out as much as we can by letting you know if we see anything that you might need to replace. As a result, we offer a lot more than just brakes and alignments – we can help you with almost anything related to your cars steering / braking or suspension.
From servicing struts / shocks to replacing and resealing wheel bearings, we have the equipment and experience at Budget Brakes to deliver a service that helps your car run as it should. Wheel bearing replacement is perhaps the most common service that you don’t ever hear about until you need it, and it’s something that we perform all the time. After all – bearings should be replaced around every 45000 kilometers.
Bearings are perhaps the most annoying service item in the world. The bearings themselves cost just a few dollars, but it can take hours to get to them. Luckily, at Budget Brakes, we can check and maintain your bearings as we perform the maintenance on the rest of your vehicle. That way you save not just on brake maintenance, but the little things that would cost you a small fortune anywhere else.
From servicing struts / shocks to replacing and resealing wheel bearings, we have the equipment and experience at Budget Brakes to deliver a service that helps your car run as it should. Wheel bearing replacement is perhaps the most common service that you don’t ever hear about until you need it, and it’s something that we perform all the time. After all – bearings should be replaced around every 45000 kilometers.
Bearings are perhaps the most annoying service item in the world. The bearings themselves cost just a few dollars, but it can take hours to get to them. Luckily, at Budget Brakes, we can check and maintain your bearings as we perform the maintenance on the rest of your vehicle. That way you save not just on brake maintenance, but the little things that would cost you a small fortune anywhere else.
Braking Techniques 101 – Progressive Braking; a Tip from Budget Brakes
Braking sounds like an easy enough technique to master, but at Budget Brakes, we know only too well how easy it is to rely on ABS. With more and more people simply jamming the brake pedal to slow down, we at Budget Brakes want to help with some braking tips that’ll not only help you improve performance, but save money when it comes to helping extend the life of your brakes and suspension.
At Budget Brakes, we’re keen believers in “progressive braking”. It’s a really easy technique to master, and it’ll not only help you become more aware of braking, but it will also help other drivers around you know what you’re doing and prevent accidents too.
Progressive braking is as easy as it sounds. Instead of simply pushing the brake pedal as quickly as possible, the aim is to start with a very gentle push on the brake pedal until you feel the brakes engage. Keep your foot there and pause for a second then, counting as you brake, gradually build up pressure until you reach your desired speed or stop. Easing off the brakes should be the same process, but in reverse.
Combined with reading the road, progressive braking can save you a fortune on your Budget Brakes service bill. The benefits of progressive braking are that it pre-loads the suspension, warns other road users early and it helps your brakes last longer – meaning fewer trips to Budget Brakes for new pads.
With promotions happening all the time, at Budget Brakes we are always ready to take a quick look at your vehicle. If you think you have braking problems and want us to take a look at your brakes – come by and we’ll see what we can do.
At Budget Brakes, we’re keen believers in “progressive braking”. It’s a really easy technique to master, and it’ll not only help you become more aware of braking, but it will also help other drivers around you know what you’re doing and prevent accidents too.
Progressive braking is as easy as it sounds. Instead of simply pushing the brake pedal as quickly as possible, the aim is to start with a very gentle push on the brake pedal until you feel the brakes engage. Keep your foot there and pause for a second then, counting as you brake, gradually build up pressure until you reach your desired speed or stop. Easing off the brakes should be the same process, but in reverse.
Combined with reading the road, progressive braking can save you a fortune on your Budget Brakes service bill. The benefits of progressive braking are that it pre-loads the suspension, warns other road users early and it helps your brakes last longer – meaning fewer trips to Budget Brakes for new pads.
With promotions happening all the time, at Budget Brakes we are always ready to take a quick look at your vehicle. If you think you have braking problems and want us to take a look at your brakes – come by and we’ll see what we can do.
Does your Brake Fluid Need Changing? A Tip by Budget Brakes
Automobiles are filled with all sorts of service items that need topping up, replacing and monitoring. Perhaps one of the most neglected aspects out there that we see at Budget Brakes has to be surprisingly, your brakes.
You wouldn’t think it, but, brakes are forgotten about every day until they start having problems. Despite the fact that adequate braking is one of the most important necessities of driving, it’s still often left longer than recommended until the brakes themselves start telling you they need checking.
Changing brake fluid regularly is a quick and efficient Budget Brakes maintenance procedure that can be done in minutes. It’s actually required by law in many parts of Europe, and if you’ve never thought about changing your brake fluid, you’re probably wondering just why it’s so important?
Bleeding, or flushing your car’s brake fluid is a necessary preventative brake maintenance that helps prevent problems and maintain braking performance. It’s been proven that over time water contaminates the brake fluid and eventually your braking performance is affected. It’s not something that happens quickly, but over a period of years and it’s a slow and steady build up that really can have an effect on performance.
While changing brake fluid isn’t really necessary for newer vehicles under three years old, it’s an important issue for any vehicle that’s over 5 years old, especially considering the cost of this relatively minor auto service.
Changing the fluid is a Budget Brakes service that helps your brakes last longer, but most importantly – it ensures that your brakes are in top condition so that you have maximum braking efficiency.
You wouldn’t think it, but, brakes are forgotten about every day until they start having problems. Despite the fact that adequate braking is one of the most important necessities of driving, it’s still often left longer than recommended until the brakes themselves start telling you they need checking.
Changing brake fluid regularly is a quick and efficient Budget Brakes maintenance procedure that can be done in minutes. It’s actually required by law in many parts of Europe, and if you’ve never thought about changing your brake fluid, you’re probably wondering just why it’s so important?
Bleeding, or flushing your car’s brake fluid is a necessary preventative brake maintenance that helps prevent problems and maintain braking performance. It’s been proven that over time water contaminates the brake fluid and eventually your braking performance is affected. It’s not something that happens quickly, but over a period of years and it’s a slow and steady build up that really can have an effect on performance.
While changing brake fluid isn’t really necessary for newer vehicles under three years old, it’s an important issue for any vehicle that’s over 5 years old, especially considering the cost of this relatively minor auto service.
Changing the fluid is a Budget Brakes service that helps your brakes last longer, but most importantly – it ensures that your brakes are in top condition so that you have maximum braking efficiency.
Budget Brakes – Tips on Driving Safely and some Auto Advice
When it comes to making road trips, or trips of any length for that matter, it’s easy to assume that your car’s in good condition and everything’s fine – it seems almost a force of habit to turn on the ignition and go out onto the freeway without even checking so much as the tires, but did you know that you could be putting yourself in danger? Take a look at our Budget Brakes Top driving safety tips below:
1. Don’t just drive defensively, THINK defensively. Every time you make a different kind of journey, think about the risk factors involved. Are you driving with a pet onboard, are you carrying a bunch of kids? Are you driving in the rain / snow / ice? Think about the risks and prepare for them. Getting your brakes / alignment checked regularly at Budget Brakes or another service center is an essential preventative measure.
2. When your car feels ‘different’ it’s time to see a professional. If you notice a noise that shouldn’t be there, or a difference in steering / braking, then that’s a sign that your car needs to be looked at by a professional. If it’s with steering, chances are you need to call into Budget Brakes today and get your alignment checked.
3. Avoid distractions. These days it’s too easy to get distracted when driving. From cell phones to changing tunes on your MP3 player, driving without due care and attention is becoming more and more common. When you’re on the road, you need to focus on the road, other road users and be prepared for anything.
On US roads there are around 3 million accidents involving vehicles every year. At Budget brakes, we see our fair share of jobs which involve fixing alignments due to vehicles running onto curbs and off the road all the time! If everyone drove using the tips above – the world would be a lot safer and dare we say it, Budget Brakes and alignments would have a lot less business!
1. Don’t just drive defensively, THINK defensively. Every time you make a different kind of journey, think about the risk factors involved. Are you driving with a pet onboard, are you carrying a bunch of kids? Are you driving in the rain / snow / ice? Think about the risks and prepare for them. Getting your brakes / alignment checked regularly at Budget Brakes or another service center is an essential preventative measure.
2. When your car feels ‘different’ it’s time to see a professional. If you notice a noise that shouldn’t be there, or a difference in steering / braking, then that’s a sign that your car needs to be looked at by a professional. If it’s with steering, chances are you need to call into Budget Brakes today and get your alignment checked.
3. Avoid distractions. These days it’s too easy to get distracted when driving. From cell phones to changing tunes on your MP3 player, driving without due care and attention is becoming more and more common. When you’re on the road, you need to focus on the road, other road users and be prepared for anything.
On US roads there are around 3 million accidents involving vehicles every year. At Budget brakes, we see our fair share of jobs which involve fixing alignments due to vehicles running onto curbs and off the road all the time! If everyone drove using the tips above – the world would be a lot safer and dare we say it, Budget Brakes and alignments would have a lot less business!
The best time to get your brakes checked, a Budget Brakes tip
When everyone buys a car, one of the first things that we’re expected to do by the manufacturer is to read the service manual. More often than not, it’s something your kid reads on a long journey, but that small book sitting in your car actually contains some important information, such as just how often your brakes need checked.
Despite offering free checks, we at Budget Brakes still see disaster just about every day. That service manual probably advises you to get your brakes checked every 30,000 miles or at least once yearly. You really should, as failing to do so doesn’t just lead to a potential brake failure, will mean you end up paying a great deal more for brake repairs and maintenance.
Overall, when it comes to getting your brakes checked, consider it as a key way to save money. It’s a great way to prevent those expensive repair bills for new rotors and other components. One of the biggest reasons why people get expensive repair bills for brakes alone is because they ignore the warning signs and simply drive on until they start to feel major problems.
You’d be amazed at just how often people ask Budget Brakes when they should get their brakes checked, and the answer really depends on their driving style, the conditions and also the age of the vehicle. Ideally, if you are a heavy driver you should take a visit to a brake specialist around every six to twelve months.
It sounds like an expensive answer, but there are many garages and mechanics that’ll check your brakes for free. Budget Brakes offers free inspections as a way to promote road safety and ensure that you have the chance to fix the smaller problems before they transform into minor disasters which could cost you thousands.
Despite offering free checks, we at Budget Brakes still see disaster just about every day. That service manual probably advises you to get your brakes checked every 30,000 miles or at least once yearly. You really should, as failing to do so doesn’t just lead to a potential brake failure, will mean you end up paying a great deal more for brake repairs and maintenance.
Overall, when it comes to getting your brakes checked, consider it as a key way to save money. It’s a great way to prevent those expensive repair bills for new rotors and other components. One of the biggest reasons why people get expensive repair bills for brakes alone is because they ignore the warning signs and simply drive on until they start to feel major problems.
You’d be amazed at just how often people ask Budget Brakes when they should get their brakes checked, and the answer really depends on their driving style, the conditions and also the age of the vehicle. Ideally, if you are a heavy driver you should take a visit to a brake specialist around every six to twelve months.
It sounds like an expensive answer, but there are many garages and mechanics that’ll check your brakes for free. Budget Brakes offers free inspections as a way to promote road safety and ensure that you have the chance to fix the smaller problems before they transform into minor disasters which could cost you thousands.
How ABS Really Works, by Budget Brakes
Assisted braking or ABS is pretty much standard on many cars in the US, and surprisingly, not many people know what it really does, as the common assumption is that it simply makes your car stop ‘quicker’.
Did you know that ABS was invented to ensure that your vehicle doesn’t lose traction? Essentially, it’s a form of computer-controlled independent braking for each of your four wheels so that when you brake heavily, your wheels don’t lock up. It does this by monitoring the speed of each wheel to ensure that they don’t slow down faster than your car can.
Overall, it works in a way that ensures your wheels don’t skid, and thankfully it’s becoming standard on more and more cars. ABS not only makes it easier to drive safer, but it also makes brake maintenance cheaper thanks to the fact that it prevents you from being too heavy on your brakes to a certain extent. Thanks to this, brakes and brake pads last longer than before.
However, ABS isn’t a replacement for regular brake inspections. Ideally you should get your brakes checked by a professional like Budget Brakes regularly. Just like with anything, the easiest way to achieve that is through regular maintenance before problems happen, instead of after they occur.
Did you know that ABS was invented to ensure that your vehicle doesn’t lose traction? Essentially, it’s a form of computer-controlled independent braking for each of your four wheels so that when you brake heavily, your wheels don’t lock up. It does this by monitoring the speed of each wheel to ensure that they don’t slow down faster than your car can.
Overall, it works in a way that ensures your wheels don’t skid, and thankfully it’s becoming standard on more and more cars. ABS not only makes it easier to drive safer, but it also makes brake maintenance cheaper thanks to the fact that it prevents you from being too heavy on your brakes to a certain extent. Thanks to this, brakes and brake pads last longer than before.
However, ABS isn’t a replacement for regular brake inspections. Ideally you should get your brakes checked by a professional like Budget Brakes regularly. Just like with anything, the easiest way to achieve that is through regular maintenance before problems happen, instead of after they occur.
Increase your Fuel Economy with Good Wheel Alignment - Tip by Budget Brakes
A common misconception is that people only need to get their wheels aligned when their car starts pulling to the left or right. The reality we try and tell all of our customers at Budget Brakes is that poorly aligned wheels affect your braking, your cars performance and also your gas mileage. This rather inexpensive service at Budget Brakes can be done in just a few hours, and while it won’t double your mileage, it’ll most certainly help you drive safer and get more out of a tank of gas.
Budget Brakes customers often come to the shop with the idea that wheel alignment is simply about how the wheels are pointed – sadly, it’s a lot more complicated than that, as alongside that specific angle, there are a whole variety of variables that have to be considered. To ensure you get good performance, it is necessary for Budget Brakes technicians to take into account the camber angle, the caster angle and finally the toe-in angle of your wheels. If the camber of the wheel is off, (the slope of a wheel) then your car’s going to be fighting against its self and as a result, braking and fuel economy will be considerably worse.
The only way to know if your wheels are properly aligned is to take them into a shop specializing in wheel alignment. Budget Brakes offer a high quality wheel alignment service that ensures your wheels are set-up according to manufacturer’s instructions, using the latest tools to adjust things perfectly. It’s not something you can do at home, and in fact, it’s not something many auto shops have the tools for.
That’s why traditionally. wheel alignments have always been expensive, but if you’re looking to ensure the safety of both yourself and your passengers and to get a bit more value for money, then with alignments starting from $59, Budget Brakes can set things up for next to nothing.
Budget Brakes customers often come to the shop with the idea that wheel alignment is simply about how the wheels are pointed – sadly, it’s a lot more complicated than that, as alongside that specific angle, there are a whole variety of variables that have to be considered. To ensure you get good performance, it is necessary for Budget Brakes technicians to take into account the camber angle, the caster angle and finally the toe-in angle of your wheels. If the camber of the wheel is off, (the slope of a wheel) then your car’s going to be fighting against its self and as a result, braking and fuel economy will be considerably worse.
The only way to know if your wheels are properly aligned is to take them into a shop specializing in wheel alignment. Budget Brakes offer a high quality wheel alignment service that ensures your wheels are set-up according to manufacturer’s instructions, using the latest tools to adjust things perfectly. It’s not something you can do at home, and in fact, it’s not something many auto shops have the tools for.
That’s why traditionally. wheel alignments have always been expensive, but if you’re looking to ensure the safety of both yourself and your passengers and to get a bit more value for money, then with alignments starting from $59, Budget Brakes can set things up for next to nothing.
Prolong the Length of Your Tires - Another Budget Brakes Tip
When our customers at Budget Brakes come in for a wheel alignment service, it’s amazing to see from a mechanic’s point of view just how worn customer’s tires can get. You might be surprised to hear it’s not through negligence, but instead because of the fact poor wheel alignment means that their tires are getting worn unevenly in parts that you can’t see.
When your wheel alignment is out, it affects more than just the way your car steers. It affects wet weather performance, braking and in fact – it can be pretty dangerous. Every time you go over a large bump in the road or hit a pothole, your wheel alignment can become misadjusted which leads to chaos for your tires.
Imagine that you’ve just bought a new set of tires and it’s raining. You’ve just went over a bump in the road because it was dark, and you notice a slight change in steering, but not significantly. Many of our customers at Budget Brakes simply think it’s nothing – but when they replace their tires in around six months to a year, they’re shocked to see that the inside edge of their tires are worn practically right down to the inner wires!
At Budget brakes, we see this all the time. The fact is that from just $59 you could have saved yourself from having to buy a new set of tires, because poor alignment really can destroy your tires in no time, and no amount of tire swapping will fix it.
If your car is not steering well, then the three things you should always check first are tire inflation, tire wear and finally, wheel alignment. Budget brakes can fix wheel alignment problems, saving you a fortune in new tires later on.
When your wheel alignment is out, it affects more than just the way your car steers. It affects wet weather performance, braking and in fact – it can be pretty dangerous. Every time you go over a large bump in the road or hit a pothole, your wheel alignment can become misadjusted which leads to chaos for your tires.
Imagine that you’ve just bought a new set of tires and it’s raining. You’ve just went over a bump in the road because it was dark, and you notice a slight change in steering, but not significantly. Many of our customers at Budget Brakes simply think it’s nothing – but when they replace their tires in around six months to a year, they’re shocked to see that the inside edge of their tires are worn practically right down to the inner wires!
At Budget brakes, we see this all the time. The fact is that from just $59 you could have saved yourself from having to buy a new set of tires, because poor alignment really can destroy your tires in no time, and no amount of tire swapping will fix it.
If your car is not steering well, then the three things you should always check first are tire inflation, tire wear and finally, wheel alignment. Budget brakes can fix wheel alignment problems, saving you a fortune in new tires later on.
Signs of Poor Wheel Alignment
Poor wheel alignment is a common problem that just about everyone will need to deal with. However despite this, it’s something not many of our Budget Brakes customers actually know the symptoms for, as it can have a range of different signs and not all of them are easy to spot.
The most commonly reported symptom of poor wheel alignment at Budget Brakes is that of the vehicle pulling to one-side. However; to know whether your wheels are properly aligned, it’s best to stop in at a Budget Brakes shop. However; one way to keep an eye on things is to examine tire wear. By examining tire wear you can actually learn a lot about problems in your suspension, tire pressure and also your wheel alignment.
The three most common wear patterns associated with poor wheel alignment that you need to be aware of are:
-Feathering happens when the tread wears quicker on one side than it does on the other. It looks like one side of the tread is rounded, and the other is sharp. Run your fingers around your tread one way, and then the other. If one way feels a lot smother – then it’s a sign that your wheels need aligned.
-Cupping occurs when your tires seem to have cup-shaped or scallop like indentations. If this occurs then it means either that your car’s suspensions is damaged or your wheel alignment needs checked. Budget Brakes can diagnose and help find the problem.
-Toe Wear looks like a tire that’s worn on one side, but not the other. It’s a tell-tale sign of you’ve guessed it – poor wheel alignment, so visit Budget Brakes for a check-up. We can fix your problems starting from $59.
Tire wear is actually one of the easiest ways to spot a whole range of problems, and not just poor alignment. However, if you’re tires are wearing quickly or you see strange wear patterns, then pay a visit to a Budget Brakes shop as it could very well be an alignment issue and one that needs professional re-alignment.
The most commonly reported symptom of poor wheel alignment at Budget Brakes is that of the vehicle pulling to one-side. However; to know whether your wheels are properly aligned, it’s best to stop in at a Budget Brakes shop. However; one way to keep an eye on things is to examine tire wear. By examining tire wear you can actually learn a lot about problems in your suspension, tire pressure and also your wheel alignment.
The three most common wear patterns associated with poor wheel alignment that you need to be aware of are:
-Feathering happens when the tread wears quicker on one side than it does on the other. It looks like one side of the tread is rounded, and the other is sharp. Run your fingers around your tread one way, and then the other. If one way feels a lot smother – then it’s a sign that your wheels need aligned.
-Cupping occurs when your tires seem to have cup-shaped or scallop like indentations. If this occurs then it means either that your car’s suspensions is damaged or your wheel alignment needs checked. Budget Brakes can diagnose and help find the problem.
-Toe Wear looks like a tire that’s worn on one side, but not the other. It’s a tell-tale sign of you’ve guessed it – poor wheel alignment, so visit Budget Brakes for a check-up. We can fix your problems starting from $59.
Tire wear is actually one of the easiest ways to spot a whole range of problems, and not just poor alignment. However, if you’re tires are wearing quickly or you see strange wear patterns, then pay a visit to a Budget Brakes shop as it could very well be an alignment issue and one that needs professional re-alignment.
The Technical Side of Wheel Alignment
At Budget Brakes, we specialize in precision wheel alignment that ensures your car operates within the manufacturers specifications. With specialist equipment and technicians, we aim to fix major wheel alignment issues before they even become a problem.
It’s true that in a perfect world, no one should ever need to get their wheels re-aligned and re-balanced. The reality however, is that as soon as you go over a relatively severe bump, or if you drive aggressively, then wheel alignment becomes more of an issue, because over time – your suspension’s characteristics begin to change which result in wheel alignment being necessary.
A common misconception is that wheel alignment is some sort of adjustment Budget Brakes technicians perform to your wheels. Wheel alignment is in fact a service that’s performed using a special camera jig that attaches to your wheels, but the adjustment and changes are all to do with your suspension.
That’s why if you lower your ride height or make any changes in that area, you really should call in to Budget brakes for an alignment service. To do the job properly, our technicians need to use specialist computer-controlled equipment to measure and help us get your wheels adjusted precisely.
When adjusting your wheels, the goal is for us to ensure that wheels sit parallel to each other, flat on the road surface and are perpendicular. This involves adjusting the caster camber and toe-in angles to ensure that they’re adjusted not just by sight, but as according to the manufacturer’s specification and to the nth degree as we at Budget Brakes are committed to ensuring our wheel alignments are done as precisely as possible.
It’s true that in a perfect world, no one should ever need to get their wheels re-aligned and re-balanced. The reality however, is that as soon as you go over a relatively severe bump, or if you drive aggressively, then wheel alignment becomes more of an issue, because over time – your suspension’s characteristics begin to change which result in wheel alignment being necessary.
A common misconception is that wheel alignment is some sort of adjustment Budget Brakes technicians perform to your wheels. Wheel alignment is in fact a service that’s performed using a special camera jig that attaches to your wheels, but the adjustment and changes are all to do with your suspension.
That’s why if you lower your ride height or make any changes in that area, you really should call in to Budget brakes for an alignment service. To do the job properly, our technicians need to use specialist computer-controlled equipment to measure and help us get your wheels adjusted precisely.
When adjusting your wheels, the goal is for us to ensure that wheels sit parallel to each other, flat on the road surface and are perpendicular. This involves adjusting the caster camber and toe-in angles to ensure that they’re adjusted not just by sight, but as according to the manufacturer’s specification and to the nth degree as we at Budget Brakes are committed to ensuring our wheel alignments are done as precisely as possible.
What Happens if Your Brakes Fail?
It’s something that almost never happens, but it happens to someone. Whether you’re on your way to a budget brakes store to get your brakes fixed or perhaps driving home on the highway, brake failure can to anyone. Take a look below for our budget brakes panic-free guide to stopping a car with no brakes.
1. Don’t panic, and don’t turn the ignition off until the car is stationary. Don’t pull the parking brake yet, and don’t jump out of the vehicle unless you really do have absolutely no other choice. Now is the time to take your foot off the gas.
2. Start by applying pressure to your brakes until they pedal hits the floor. If the pedal seems jammed, try and check with your feet to clear any possible obstruction such as the floor mat.
3. If the pedal isn’t jammed and isn’t working, then start pumping the pedal like a foot operated bicycle pump. Your goal is to pump enough pressure so that you can press the brakes and slow down.
4. Use the engine’s braking to slow the car. If you are in a high gear change down a gear, but do so gradually and don’t go from a high gear into a low gear. Change down one gear at a time so that you don’t destroy the engine and or lose control.
5. Finally, if nothing else works, use the parking brake. Apply it slowly and gradually, applying more pressure as the vehicle slows to a halt. Once the car is stopped switch off the ignition and call for help.
With free brake checks, Budget brakes can ensure that total brake failure is practically impossible. If you keep your brakes well maintained and looked after, you’ll at least know that if anything fails, it’s not going to be your brakes.
1. Don’t panic, and don’t turn the ignition off until the car is stationary. Don’t pull the parking brake yet, and don’t jump out of the vehicle unless you really do have absolutely no other choice. Now is the time to take your foot off the gas.
2. Start by applying pressure to your brakes until they pedal hits the floor. If the pedal seems jammed, try and check with your feet to clear any possible obstruction such as the floor mat.
3. If the pedal isn’t jammed and isn’t working, then start pumping the pedal like a foot operated bicycle pump. Your goal is to pump enough pressure so that you can press the brakes and slow down.
4. Use the engine’s braking to slow the car. If you are in a high gear change down a gear, but do so gradually and don’t go from a high gear into a low gear. Change down one gear at a time so that you don’t destroy the engine and or lose control.
5. Finally, if nothing else works, use the parking brake. Apply it slowly and gradually, applying more pressure as the vehicle slows to a halt. Once the car is stopped switch off the ignition and call for help.
With free brake checks, Budget brakes can ensure that total brake failure is practically impossible. If you keep your brakes well maintained and looked after, you’ll at least know that if anything fails, it’s not going to be your brakes.
The Importance of Regular Brake Inspections
From budget brakes and pads to more high quality items, the single most important factor in ensuring that your auto is actually safe, is to ensure that you get your brakes inspected regularly – even if there are no signs of problems! This act of preventative maintenance goes a long way to ensure that expensive repairs aren’t necessary and it also ensures the safety of you and your family.
Getting your brakes seen to really is like going to the dentist. It’s an inconvenient convenience that everybody needs, but nobody has the time for! Today more and more people are on a tight budget, but it’s easy to forget that your car’s brakes could very well be your lifeline. Getting regular inspections might just save you hundreds of dollars if not your life.
Minor brake overhauls such as changing brake pads is a pretty easy task and it typically takes around just an hour or two. However, it’s often put off until the last minute and while you might just be thinking you’ll get a few more weeks out of your budget brakes after they start making noises, you might also find that they stop working just when you need them…
Budget Brakes offers free inspections and we’ll let you know exactly what’s going on behind the scenes. This check-up service gives you a great deal of peace of mind and it ensures that your disc brakes last for longer which really can save you a small fortune.
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Types of Brakes
Certain systems on your car must be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are operating properly. This is for your safety as well as the safety of other drivers. One that must be checked on a regular basis is your braking system. Due to the frequency of the use of this system, it often needs to undergo regular maintenance. Do not put this off.
Cars have one of three types of brakes. The first are drum brakes. When you press the brake pedal in your car, your brakes shoes will press against a drum, creating friction. This friction is what causes your car to slow and stop. Very little pressure on the pedal is required on your part, but over time the various components will wear out and must be replaced. Components of the drum brake system include the drum itself, the brake lining, the return spring and the piston. Wheel cylinders, brakes shoes, brake pads, a wheel hub and studs are also part of the drum brake system.
Disk brakes, in contrast, are much simpler than drum brakes and are also more effective. These budget brakes consist of a flat, round piece of metal which presses against a wheel to slow or stop the car. As only three components make up the disk brake system, you have less that needs to be replaced on a regular basis. The three components are the disk brake, the brake line and the brake shield. Any time you take your car in to an auto repair facility for work, you should ask that your budget brakes be checked. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Most newer cars now come with anti-lock budget brakes. These brakes consist of a hydraulic actuator, wheel speed sensors in each wheel and an electronic control unit. If the electronic control unit detects a problem anywhere in the brake system, an ABS warning light on your dash will come on. If this occurs, take your car in immediately to have your budget brakes checked. This is one repair that cannot be put off.
Top Signs to Get Your Brakes Checked NOW by Budget Brakes, continued…
The most obvious indicator that your car’s the brakes need attention is an incredibly high note squeal when trying to stop. Brake lining manufacturers include a small piece of metal called an indicator on the pad itself. If it reaches the point where there is less than ¼-inch left, the metal sound from the brake rotor makes a pretty good impression of fingernails on a blackboard. Depending on your driving pattern, this usually means you should replace your brake pads within a month or so. Call Budget Brakes in Tennessee or Alabama to set up your appointment, or just drive on in.
Occasionally, the brake indicator will rust and simply fall off, removing the ability for you to hear the warning noises. In addition, aftermarket and low-cost brake pads do not all come with this type of a wear indicator. In this case, pay attention to other warning signs. If your car takes longer to stop than they used to, or if your brake pedal actually goes further down than before when stepping on it, it is probably a good idea to get your brakes checked out. Regular checks are a good idea and require a little more know-how to remove the tire and know what you’re searching for. If at all uncomfortable, come to Budget Brakes for a free inspection.
Brake rotors are more complicated because they usually last through two or three sets of brake pads before having to be replaced. If your steering wheel wobbles in your hands as you brake, your rotors are likely warped and it’s strongly recommended that you get them checked out.
Stay tuned for more!
Top Warning Signs to Get Your Brakes Checked NOW - Part 1
Just like our feet, the brakes in our cars go through some terrible pounding.
And just like our feet, when the brakes go, the car goes (literally).
Brakes take the abuse of stop-and-go traffic, both on local streets and traffic-clogged freeways. And as the abuse continues, the parts start to wear down more and more. Before you know it, your brake systems are shot. Don't be the victim of a brake system that needs to be fully repaired with a repair bill of about $400 or so.
But worse than losing money is the possibility of losing your life. The recent reported problems with Toyota vehicles shows the potentially devastating results when a car can't stop as you expect it to.
The good news is that a little bit of attention to some signs of wear on your brakes can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
Sign #1: Irritating Noise. This is going to sound obvious, but the first sign that there are problems with your brakes is some horrendous noise that pierces your ear. Sometimes it could be dust or sand. But most of the time that's your first warning sign that something's wrong. There's a small piece of metal on your brake lining called an “indicator” that is on the actual brake pad. When you hear that noise, get it checked out without hesitation; you likely have about 30 days left on your brakes.
Next blog post we'll examine other signs.
And just like our feet, when the brakes go, the car goes (literally).
Brakes take the abuse of stop-and-go traffic, both on local streets and traffic-clogged freeways. And as the abuse continues, the parts start to wear down more and more. Before you know it, your brake systems are shot. Don't be the victim of a brake system that needs to be fully repaired with a repair bill of about $400 or so.
But worse than losing money is the possibility of losing your life. The recent reported problems with Toyota vehicles shows the potentially devastating results when a car can't stop as you expect it to.
The good news is that a little bit of attention to some signs of wear on your brakes can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
Sign #1: Irritating Noise. This is going to sound obvious, but the first sign that there are problems with your brakes is some horrendous noise that pierces your ear. Sometimes it could be dust or sand. But most of the time that's your first warning sign that something's wrong. There's a small piece of metal on your brake lining called an “indicator” that is on the actual brake pad. When you hear that noise, get it checked out without hesitation; you likely have about 30 days left on your brakes.
Next blog post we'll examine other signs.
Brakes 101–Part 3 Brake Terms Continued
We continue with our discussion of brake terminology, which will help you better understand how your vehicle’s braking system works:
Drums
Function: A friction surface for the brake shoes to stop the vehicle; dissipates heat build up with its thickness.
Signs of Wear: Measured thickness, out of round, cracked, hard spots or groves.
Can Cause: Noise, pulsating, vibration and low brake pedal.
Drum Hardware
Function: Holds brake shoes in position and prevents shoes from dragging on brake drums after braking.
Signs of Wear: Dirty, rusty, broken, distorted or corroded.
Can Cause: Noise, excessive brake shoe and drum wear, pulling and grabbing.
Grease Seals
Function: Keeps grease on the wheel bearings.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, seals torn or damaged.
Can Cause: Noise, spindle and rotor damage.
Master Cylinder
Function: Holds and transfers brake fluid to the front and rear brakes.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, brake warning light.
Can Cause: Low brake pedal, unreliable stopping or fading brake pedal.
Rotors Function: A friction surface for the brake pads to stop the vehicle; dissipates heat build up with its thickness.
Signs of Wear: Measured thickness, cracks, warped, grooves or hard spots.
Can Cause: Noise, heat build up, pulsating and vibration.
Wheel Bearings
Function: Allows wheels to rotate smoothly.
Signs of Wear: Noise, cracks, pits or blurring.
Can Cause: Vibration, noise, spindle and rotor damage.
Wheel Cylinders
Function: Pushes the brake shoes on the drum.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, corroded pistons or brake warning light.
Can Cause: Noise, grabbing, pulling to the side, premature brake shoe wear and brake drum damage.
Drums
Function: A friction surface for the brake shoes to stop the vehicle; dissipates heat build up with its thickness.
Signs of Wear: Measured thickness, out of round, cracked, hard spots or groves.
Can Cause: Noise, pulsating, vibration and low brake pedal.
Drum Hardware
Function: Holds brake shoes in position and prevents shoes from dragging on brake drums after braking.
Signs of Wear: Dirty, rusty, broken, distorted or corroded.
Can Cause: Noise, excessive brake shoe and drum wear, pulling and grabbing.
Grease Seals
Function: Keeps grease on the wheel bearings.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, seals torn or damaged.
Can Cause: Noise, spindle and rotor damage.
Master Cylinder
Function: Holds and transfers brake fluid to the front and rear brakes.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, brake warning light.
Can Cause: Low brake pedal, unreliable stopping or fading brake pedal.
Rotors Function: A friction surface for the brake pads to stop the vehicle; dissipates heat build up with its thickness.
Signs of Wear: Measured thickness, cracks, warped, grooves or hard spots.
Can Cause: Noise, heat build up, pulsating and vibration.
Wheel Bearings
Function: Allows wheels to rotate smoothly.
Signs of Wear: Noise, cracks, pits or blurring.
Can Cause: Vibration, noise, spindle and rotor damage.
Wheel Cylinders
Function: Pushes the brake shoes on the drum.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, corroded pistons or brake warning light.
Can Cause: Noise, grabbing, pulling to the side, premature brake shoe wear and brake drum damage.
Brakes 101–Part 2 Brake Terms
At each Budget Brakes store, we display common brake terms and explain what they mean so that our customers have a better understanding of each part’s function, as well as the signs of wear and symptoms that indicate when a part may need to be repaired or replaced.
We’ve broken our list of terms into two posts. Here’s the first one:
Anti-lock Brake Module
Function: Electronically assists stopping vehicle in shortest distance.
Signs of Wear: ABS warning light on or noise.
Can Cause: Longer stopping distance and brake pedal vibration.
Brake Hoses
Function: A flexible link between the vehicle’s frame and the front wheels.
Signs of Wear: Cracking, ballooning, leaking or restriction of brake fluid flow.
Can Cause: Pulling to the side, premature brake pad wear, and caliper and brake rotor damage.
Brake Pads
Function: Material that wears against brake rotors and stops the vehicle.
Signs of Wear: Thickness, cracks, separation from backing plate.
Can Cause: Noise, brake rotor and caliper damage.
Brake Shoes
Function: Material that wears against brake drums and stops the vehicle.
Signs of Wear: Thickness, cracks, separation from backing plate.
Can Cause: Noise, brake drum and wheel cylinder damage.
Calipers
Function: Push and retract brake pads from the rotor.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, torn dust boot or uneven brake pad wear.
Can Cause: Noise, grabbing, pulling to the side, premature brake pad wear and brake rotor damage.
Discharge Hardware
Function: Holds brake pads in position and prevents pads from dragging on brake rotors after braking.
Signs of Wear: Dirty, rusty, broken, distorted or corroded.
Can Cause: Noise, excessive brake pad and rotor wear, pulling and grabbing.
We’ve broken our list of terms into two posts. Here’s the first one:
Anti-lock Brake Module
Function: Electronically assists stopping vehicle in shortest distance.
Signs of Wear: ABS warning light on or noise.
Can Cause: Longer stopping distance and brake pedal vibration.
Brake Hoses
Function: A flexible link between the vehicle’s frame and the front wheels.
Signs of Wear: Cracking, ballooning, leaking or restriction of brake fluid flow.
Can Cause: Pulling to the side, premature brake pad wear, and caliper and brake rotor damage.
Brake Pads
Function: Material that wears against brake rotors and stops the vehicle.
Signs of Wear: Thickness, cracks, separation from backing plate.
Can Cause: Noise, brake rotor and caliper damage.
Brake Shoes
Function: Material that wears against brake drums and stops the vehicle.
Signs of Wear: Thickness, cracks, separation from backing plate.
Can Cause: Noise, brake drum and wheel cylinder damage.
Calipers
Function: Push and retract brake pads from the rotor.
Signs of Wear: Leaks, torn dust boot or uneven brake pad wear.
Can Cause: Noise, grabbing, pulling to the side, premature brake pad wear and brake rotor damage.
Discharge Hardware
Function: Holds brake pads in position and prevents pads from dragging on brake rotors after braking.
Signs of Wear: Dirty, rusty, broken, distorted or corroded.
Can Cause: Noise, excessive brake pad and rotor wear, pulling and grabbing.
Brakes 101–Part 1
Knowing when your brakes need to be repaired can be confusing, which is why each Budget Brakes store has posters with brake warning signs and explanations of what brake terms mean.
We believe that the better educated our customers are about brake repair and maintenance, the better they will understand our recommendations and the more they will want to be Budget Brakes customers!
Budget Brakes has a brake-inspection process that is much more thorough and detailed than most of our competitors. We also follow industry specifications for parts replacement, which not all places do.
Here are the brake warning signs you will find displayed at our stores. In the next post, I’ll list common brake terms and explain what they mean.
Brake Warning Signs:
PULL: Vehicle pulls to one side when brakes are applied.
GRAB: “Touchy” brakes that grab with the least amount of pressure.
DRAG: Sticking brakes, hot wheels or engine which seems to have lost power.
SQUEAL: Some brake noise is normal; however, constant groaning, grinding or squealing is not.
LOW PEDAL: Pedal nearly touches the floorboard before brakes function.
HARD PEDAL: Requires an extreme amount of pressure to make brakes function.
VIBRATION: Brake pedal, steering wheel or entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulses when brake is applied.
MILAGE: Brakes are “out of sight, out of mind.” Remember yours at least once a year, even if none of the above symptoms are present.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT: Emergency brake is on, low brake fluid or a drop in Hydraulic pressure.
We believe that the better educated our customers are about brake repair and maintenance, the better they will understand our recommendations and the more they will want to be Budget Brakes customers!
Budget Brakes has a brake-inspection process that is much more thorough and detailed than most of our competitors. We also follow industry specifications for parts replacement, which not all places do.
Here are the brake warning signs you will find displayed at our stores. In the next post, I’ll list common brake terms and explain what they mean.
Brake Warning Signs:
PULL: Vehicle pulls to one side when brakes are applied.
GRAB: “Touchy” brakes that grab with the least amount of pressure.
DRAG: Sticking brakes, hot wheels or engine which seems to have lost power.
SQUEAL: Some brake noise is normal; however, constant groaning, grinding or squealing is not.
LOW PEDAL: Pedal nearly touches the floorboard before brakes function.
HARD PEDAL: Requires an extreme amount of pressure to make brakes function.
VIBRATION: Brake pedal, steering wheel or entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulses when brake is applied.
MILAGE: Brakes are “out of sight, out of mind.” Remember yours at least once a year, even if none of the above symptoms are present.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT: Emergency brake is on, low brake fluid or a drop in Hydraulic pressure.
Customer Feedback
We frequently get comments from Budget Brakes customers and always welcome them, whether they are positive or critical. Like any other company we sometimes make mistakes, but most often those problems occur because of miscommunication. When someone submits a critical comment, I work to get in touch with that person as soon as possible and resolve things to the customer’s satisfaction.
Customers are the lifeblood of our business, and we value each and every one of them. Our policy is to provide superior service and always be honest in all our transactions.
Recently we received the following comments from Cheryl, Maurice, David and Nancy:
Cheryl
I visited your shop today, Dec 21, 2009 and was really pleased with the service I received. They explained to me the problem I was having and they explained the solution in details. I was really impressed with the service. Thank you.
Maurice
I went to Bavarian Auto Repairs of Chattanooga where new brakes & rotors were installed on my 2001 BMW 330ci. A noticeable steering wheel shimmy developed when braking. Bavarian said my calipers were rusty and $1,800 would cure the problem. I refused, went on line and found Budget Brakes in Chattanooga. Called and talked with Daniel, drove over in a fairly heavy rain and also met Jonathan. Following a test drive & inspection they said the new rotors were warped and that they could be trued for under $70.00. They did the job and checked the calipers which proved to be just fine. I am very grateful for these honest guys and just as angry at the attempted robbery by Bavarian Motors who wanted $1,800. Thank you Budget Brakes for employing honest very knowledgeable guys. I’m joining the BMW Club of Chattanooga and will spread the word of the fair and honest professionals, Daniel & Jonathan, at Budget Brakes. As for Bavarian Auto I'll fill a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List and every list I can find to warn consumers. Budget Brakes, you have a new customer. Thank You.
David
I just wanted to drop you a note on my recent service. I just had the brakes done on my son’s car while he was home from college. Mr. Biggs (Huntsville store) was very pleasant to deal with and the mechanic seemed very competent. The brakes feel great and it was completed in a timely manner. This was my first time using Budget Brakes and I will definitely be back.
Nancy
Thank you so much for excellent customer service! I will highly recommend your company to friends. Jason, Jerry, and Andy provided professional and great customer service. Previously, I went to another location (Mobile- Government ST Location and the customer service was excellent! Thank you for the honesty and quality service.
Customers are the lifeblood of our business, and we value each and every one of them. Our policy is to provide superior service and always be honest in all our transactions.
Recently we received the following comments from Cheryl, Maurice, David and Nancy:
Cheryl
I visited your shop today, Dec 21, 2009 and was really pleased with the service I received. They explained to me the problem I was having and they explained the solution in details. I was really impressed with the service. Thank you.
Maurice
I went to Bavarian Auto Repairs of Chattanooga where new brakes & rotors were installed on my 2001 BMW 330ci. A noticeable steering wheel shimmy developed when braking. Bavarian said my calipers were rusty and $1,800 would cure the problem. I refused, went on line and found Budget Brakes in Chattanooga. Called and talked with Daniel, drove over in a fairly heavy rain and also met Jonathan. Following a test drive & inspection they said the new rotors were warped and that they could be trued for under $70.00. They did the job and checked the calipers which proved to be just fine. I am very grateful for these honest guys and just as angry at the attempted robbery by Bavarian Motors who wanted $1,800. Thank you Budget Brakes for employing honest very knowledgeable guys. I’m joining the BMW Club of Chattanooga and will spread the word of the fair and honest professionals, Daniel & Jonathan, at Budget Brakes. As for Bavarian Auto I'll fill a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List and every list I can find to warn consumers. Budget Brakes, you have a new customer. Thank You.
David
I just wanted to drop you a note on my recent service. I just had the brakes done on my son’s car while he was home from college. Mr. Biggs (Huntsville store) was very pleasant to deal with and the mechanic seemed very competent. The brakes feel great and it was completed in a timely manner. This was my first time using Budget Brakes and I will definitely be back.
Nancy
Thank you so much for excellent customer service! I will highly recommend your company to friends. Jason, Jerry, and Andy provided professional and great customer service. Previously, I went to another location (Mobile- Government ST Location and the customer service was excellent! Thank you for the honesty and quality service.
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