Brake Repair

Brake Repair in Upper Marlboro, MD at Marlboro Tire & Automotive

Brakes are one of the most important components on your vehicle. You need the confidence of knowing that when you press your foot to the brake, your vehicle is going to stop. That's why it's important to keep these tips in mind to help keep your brakes functioning properly. Schedule an appointment for a brake service checkup today!

• Have your brakes checked at least once a year ' more often if you drive frequently in city traffic or live in a hilly area.
• Never drive with the parking brake on.
• If you hear a high-pitched squeak when you use the brakes, have them checked.
• If you hear a scratching or grinding noise when not braking, this also can be a sign of a brake or bearing issue and should be inspected immediately.
• If you experience shaking or vibration during braking, have them checked.
• Have brake fluid tested and replaced as needed and if you have to add fluid more than once every few months, you may have a leak.
  

Brake InspectionsAt Marlboro Tire & Automotive
In Upper Marlboro, MD

All brake service here at Marlboro Tire and Automotive  starts with a proper brake system inspection. This service includes:

• A road test.
• Inspecting all exterior light.
• Inspect tire wear and set air pressure.
• Inspect suspension and steering  for loose or worn parts.
• Inspect wheel hub and wheel bearings for loose or worn parts.
• Remove all four wheels.
• Inspect brake lines, brake hoses and hydraulic system for wear, cracks or leaks.
  
• Inspect brake master cylinder for performance and leaks.
• Inspect brake fluid condition.
• Inspect brake calipers and mountings.
• Remove and Inspect brake drums and wheel cylinders, if equipped.
• Verify brake rotor or brake drum thickness are within specifications.
  
• Inspect brake hardware for wear or missing pieces.
  
• Inspect brake pad thickness and wear pattern. Are they wearing evenly?
• Inspect brake shoes lining thickness and wear pattern. Are they wearing evenly?
• Download on board traction control or anti lock braking system computers if needed.
• Determine if on board computers require calibration after repair or service.
• Assemble an accurate estimate and provide an accurate completion time of service.

Schedule a Brake  System Inspection

Brake Systems involve several parts all working together to slow down or stop your vehicle. The most common style found on today's cars and trucks are Disc Brake systems. Disc Brake Systems include Brake Pads, Brake Rotors and Brake Calipers. Less commonly seen in modern vehicle are Drum Brake Systems. These systems use Brake Shoes, Brake Drums and Brake Wheel Cylinders to slow down or stop your car.
Brake Pads are the working part of the Disc Brake system. They are forced against the Brake Rotor by the Brake Caliper when the brake pedal is depressed. Brake Pads should be inspected on a regular basis and replaced when they are worn to about 1/8th of an inch thick.

Brake Pad Service

Brake Rotors provide a surface for the Brake Pads to grab on to. They also provide cooling for the brake system by disapating the heat that is generated during braking. Even though Brake Rotors are made of metal they can and do wear out like Brake Pads. Each vehicle manufactuer publishes specifactions for when a Brake Rotor needs to be replaced. Brake Rotors should be inspected on a regular basis and replaced when their measurments no longer meet the vehicle manufaurter's specifications.

Brake Rotor Service

Brake Calipers apply the force needed to push the Brake Pads against the Brake Rotor. Brake Calipers often need service during a normal brake service, In some cases Brake Calipers need to be replaced. Brake Calipers like Brake Pads and Brake Rotors need be inspected on a regular basis. Replace Brake Calipers in pairs if there is any sign of uneven Brake Pad wear or sign of Brake fluid leaking.

Brake Caliper Service

Brake Fluid is often replaced only during normal brake system service or repairs. Some vehicle manufactuers have a regular service interval for replacing brake fluid. Check your vehicle owner's manual for brake fluid service intervals and have it replaced if it has not already been replaced during a brake system service.

Brake Fluid Service

Drum Brake system are not as common on cars today as they use to be. Disc Brake Systems work better and have replaced the Drum Brake Syetem. Drum Brake systems work in a simular way as Disc Brake systems. The Brake shoe like the brake pad is forced by a brake wheel cylinder instead of a brake caliper, against a brake drum instead of a brake rotor. This causes the vehicle to slow down or stop. Brake Drum systems like DIsc Brake Systems need to be inspected on a regular basis and serviced or repaired when needed.

Drum Brake Service

Remember, Regular brake system inspection and proper brake system service or repair
is key to making sure you brakes will perform as designed when you need them to.

Wheel Bearing and Hub Service

Wheel bearings and hubs can have an large impact on brake system performance and brake
lining wear A loose hub and bearing assembly will cause premature brake system failure and
can make the car harder to stop. A roaring or rumble like noise while driving is an early sign that
a wheel bearing may need to be replaced. Routine schedule maintenance and inspection of the
brake system including the wheel bearings and wheel hubvs will prevent failure and extend the
life of the car.