Brakes
Modern day braking systems seldom fail totally, but erosion of performance
takes place over a period of time. The driver makes subconscious
compensation for this gradual deterioration and fails to realise
just how dangerous the brakes have become.
At National Tyres and Autocare, our brake technicians are highly experienced and fully trained to spot those early danger signs of deterioration. So always ask for a brake check when your car is in one of our Centres it could save your life!
Let us give your brakes either a free visual check - or from just £20 we'll carry out a full brake condition check ( fully refundable against any brake work carried out within a month). please contact your local branch for details.
Give yourself a brake!
Everyone knows that brakes are an essential component of every
vehicle and as every driver uses the braking system countless times
on every journey, brakes should not be taken for granted. Modern
day braking systems seldom fail totally, although serious neglect
or accidental damage can bring about this potentially disastrous
occurrence. Much more common is a gradual decline of braking performance
where components wear slowly and/or fluid leaks or degrades until
the overall braking capability is dangerously below manufacturer
specification.
 The real danger is that because the loss of performance takes place
over a significant period of time, the driver makes subconscious
compensation for the gradual deterioration, not fully aware of how
dangerous the braking system has become. The importance of having
your car's brakes checked and tested by a qualified technician cannot
be over-emphasised.
At National Tyres and Autocare, our brake technicians are highly
experienced and fully trained to spot those early danger signs.
But understanding how your brakes work is also worthwhile and can
help you spot some of the early danger signs. However, if in doubt,
ALWAYS bring your car to your nearest National Tyres and Autocare
branch.
How do brakes stop a car?
When you step on your brake pedal, the leverage pushes a small piston inside the master cylinder, which in turn is filled with brake fluid. The action of the moving piston inside the cylinder pumps the fluid through small pipes to each wheel where brake linings are forced against either the brake disc or the brake drum. This process, called hydraulic action, works in the same way that brake-blocks clamp against lever.
What can go wrong?
Renewing the pads or shoes as they wear is the most common requirement and frequent inspections are recommended. If the lining material wears excessively, it's not only extremely dangerous but inevitably other components become damaged calling for costly replacements. Fluid leaks are the second most common fault and can result in total brake failure.
|
