At  La Puente Auto Service, we try to give you all the helpful tips you need in maintaining your vehicle. Keeping up the maintenance on your vehicle is extremely important.

Disc Brake & Drum Brake Maintenance

Brake Pads, Linings and Rotors are all a part of your car’s brake system and are housed behind each of the wheels asembly. They Brake Pads push against one another to create friction, which stops the car.

The disc brake caliper, squeezes brake pads against either side of the rotor. The rotor is part of the wheel hub, to which the wheel & rim is attached securely with lug nuts.

There are two kinds of brake systems: Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes.

The first type, Disc brakes, are amongst the most common system in use today, and they’re very similar to the hand brakes on a bicycle. When you step on your car’s brake pedal, the brake pads will be compressed agaianst the spinning disc rotor that’s attached to the wheel. The friction caused by the compression of the disc against the rotor, will slow the car down and bring it to a complete stop.

The second type, Drum Brakes, involve the brake shoes being push out against a spinning brake drum, which is attached, again, behind the wheel assembly. This friction, also will slow the car down and bring it to a complete stop.

Both systems work by creating friction, So your parts that make up the assembly of your Brake System will wear and eventually need replacing. The questions then are, “How worn have they become?” & “Are they worn to the point that they need replacement now?”

That’s what this service is all about — checking these components for wear & possible damage to other parts of the assembly.

Should I get them serviced when it was recommended to me

Absolutely. Maintaining your Brake System is extremely important as it becomes a “Safety Hazard” to continue to operate your vehicle with worn pads, shoes or Damaged brake assembly parts.

Why do I have to do this?

In short, you do this service so you don’t create potential Danger to yourself or others and To your vehicle or other peoples vehicle.

What happens if I don’t do this?

If you neglect your brake pads and shoes or any part of the assembly, your brakes will ultimately fail, stop working, discontinue to function properly, which could end up costing you a fortune in more ways then one. Like causing damage to other, more expensive brake parts, such as rotors, drums and calipers. In other words: a stitch in time … saves you from helping your mechanic with a boat payment later on.

Is there any maintenance required between each service I have performed?

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms when you brake …

• flashing brake warning light
• squealing, chirping or grinding noises
• pulsations in the brake pedal
• shaky steering wheel
• increased stopping distance
• car pulls to one side when you stop

… it might be a good idea to have them looked at very soon because they may need to be serviced. Make an appointment with your mechanic right away.

Auto Tip of the Day: Most cars have disc brakes in the front and back. A few economy vehicles and many light trucks have disc brakes in the front and drum brakes on the rear wheels. When visiting your Mechanic, make sure he lets you know which you have to ensure your being charged properly.