Most Greer drivers know that braking means slowing or stopping a vehicle. The mechanical aspects of the brakes themselves are just one issue. There’s also the power brake system andbrake fluid. And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.
Let’s step back. A car or truck rolls brand new off the showroom floor at a local Greer dealer. It has brand new brakes with brand new brake pads. The brake lines and the power assist are filled with fresh fluid and are completely clean inside. And the minivan tires are brand new, with full tread. Naturally, braking power is at its peak performance.
Now, as your drive from Greer to Duncan and back, the miles start to add up. Most Greer car owners tend to focus on the brake pads. In the Greer automotive service community, the pads, and shoes on drum brakes, are called the friction material. That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the minivan. The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life – it’s not until they are worn so thin as to be out of spec that they lose stopping effectiveness.
Now, as your drive from Greer to Duncan and back, the miles start to add up. Most Greer car owners tend to focus on the brake pads. In the Greer automotive service community, the pads, and shoes on drum brakes, are called the friction material. That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the minivan. The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life – it’s not until they are worn so thin as to be out of spec that they lose stopping effectiveness.
The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while stopping the minivan. Over many miles, these wear and get gummed up. They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail. That’s why a regular brake inspection is important. At Advantage Auto, we can test the operation of the brakes and see if any parts need cleaning or replacing.
That leads us to brake fluid service at Advantage Auto. Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the minivan fluid system are depleted over time. That and moisture building up in the system deteriorate the performance of the brake fluid. Brake fluid replacement at Advantage Auto includes flushing the brake system to clean out deposits, water and dirt. Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.
The tires are what connect the minivan to the road. The stopping force is ultimately dependent on the traction provided by the tires. The better they grip the road, the quicker you’ll stop as you drive around Greer.
For questions about brakes, brake pads, brake service, serpentine belt replacement, or tires, talk to Advantage Auto manager Tim & Shelly Reece.
Give us a call
At Advantage Auto in Greer SC (29651) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 864.801.1810. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.
