Ask 10 people what system would cause them the most fear if it stopped working and 9 of them will answer "BRAKES".   The ability to slow and stop a moving vehicle is the single most important safety item.  It is essential to keep your brakes properly maintained or your fear could become a reality.

The function of a braking system is to stop a vehicle by converting its kenetic energy into heat.  This is done by pressing a friction material against a component directly connected to the tires.  The brake pads or shoes provide the friction material that is forced against the brake rotors or drums.  This action will slow the vehicle and produce heat as long as there is friction between the tires and the road. 

Brakes are also becoming lighter in order to reduce overall vehicle weight and increase fuel mileage.  As a result, modern brakes are forced to operate at much higher temperatures than ever before.  Older heavier braking systems seldom reached an operating temperature over 350 degrees.  Today it is commonplace for brakes to exceed 800 degrees during normal operation.  Heavily used brakes can even cause a brake rotor to glow red like a racecar from the extreme temperature.  Extreme temperatures will be quickly transmitted to other system components and into the brake fluid.  Once critical  temperatures are reached the brake fluid will boil and cause the brake pedal to get spongy.  Total loss of brakes will occur if the brake fluid temerature conntinues to rise.  

Even with lighter components, braking systems are very reliable if properly maintained and used properly.   Poorly maintained brakes will cause damage to the lighter components quicker than ever.

Electronic brake control systems such as antilock brakes (ABS) are becoming commonplace and are standard equipment on many models.  ABS prevents wheels from fully locking up during hard stops and on slippery surfaces to help drivers maintain control and prevent skidding.  Many drivers now depend on the proper operation of antilock brakes for safe driving.  It is very imortant to have your vehicle serviced immediately if a warning light comes on for ABS.  Park Automotive services complex abs systems on a daily basis.  We use high quality parts for safe dependable operation.

As with anything else, maintenance is the key to safe brakes.  Have your brakes inspected at least every 6 months or 12,000 miles of operation.  New York drivers also have to pay special attention to vehicles operated in the winter months on salted roads.  Road salt accelerates the oxidation process and can cause severe corrosion and rust on critical components.  Braking components often require more frequent replacement in these conditions.

Quality brakes is what all drivers deserve and what you will get at Park Automotive.