Hitting the Brakes in Tucson

Safety should always be an element of your vehicle care. So even if you don’t care about how your vehicle looks, you should practice preventive maintenance to protect yourself — and other Tucson drivers — on the road. And good safety starts with good brakes.

Brakes need a regular inspection. There are parts that wear out or wear down, and it’s best to replace them before you have serious problems.

Of course, if you are having trouble with your brakes, NOW is the time to fix them. If your brake warning light is on, that’s a good sign that you need your brakes checked. You can also tell something is wrong with your brakes by the feel of the pedal or unusual sounds while braking. If the brake pedal is low, feels spongy when you press it or is hard to push, that indicates a problem with your brakes. If you hear squealing, grinding or clunking noises when you brake, that can also indicate serious problems. If vibrations accompany braking, then it is to get your brakes checked.

Brakes come in two basic types. With disc brakes, a rotor is attached to the axle of the vehicle. Padded calipers straddle the rotor and close when the brakes are applied. The resulting friction causes the rotor — and the axle — to stop turning. With drum brakes, brake pads (also called shoes) press against the inside of a drum to create friction and stop the drum, and hence the vehicle’s wheels, from turning.

Brake pads come in several different grades such as regular, metallic and ceramic. The higher grades are more expensive, but they also work better. AZ drivers who want better and smoother braking should consider upgrading. However, Tucson drivers should NEVER use a brake pad that is lower than their vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

Remember, Tucson folks, safety first. It’s auto advice for all Tucson drivers on the road. You’re not just protecting others; you’re protecting yourself.