7 Symptoms of a Brake Caliper Sticking (and Common Causes)

disc brake rotor

Brake calipers are important components of the braking system. Brake calipers clamp the brake pads down against the brake rotors. Once pressure is applied, friction and adhesive forces convert the kinetic energy of the spinning rotor into thermal energy, slowing down the vehicle.  A vehicle would not be able to stop quickly at all without … Read more

11 Causes of a Burning Smell From Your Car

burning smell

Combustion engines operate on the principle of burning things to go faster. Ironically, you’re not supposed to smell anything burning while you’re driving down the road. If you do encounter a burning smell while in or around your vehicle, it’s important to identify the source and correct the problem. Some burning materials are very dangerous … Read more

5 Causes of an ABS Light to Come On (and What to Do)

abs light comes on

Modern vehicles have what is known as an anti-lock braking system. The purpose of this system is to keep the driver safe by preventing the wheels from locking up as you apply the brakes. That way, you can keep control over the steering and your vehicle won’t skid as a result of the wheels locking … Read more

Why Does My Brake Pedal Go to the Floor? (Causes and Fixes)

brake pedal

The braking system of a vehicle has one important purpose; to slow down (and stop) your vehicle. The brake pedal is what you use to communicate to the car that you want it to slow down and it should always function the same. When you push down on the brake pedal a little, you’re telling … Read more

3 Symptoms of a Bad Brake Booster Check Valve

bad brake booster check valve

The braking system of a vehicle is often built with an extra feature called a vacuum brake booster. The purpose of the brake booster is to create more pressure in the braking system. For instance, when you step on the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle, the brake booster ensures that the brake master … Read more

5 Symptoms of a Brake Fluid Leak (and Repair Cost)

low brake fluid

A vehicle will not be driveable without properly functioning brakes. If your braking system were to ever malfunction, it may very well be attributed to a brake fluid leak. There are four places in the braking system where a leak could take place. There could be one in the brake master cylinder, the front brake … Read more

What Are Brake Pad Shims? (and Symptoms of Bad/Missing Shims)

brake pad shims

Most people understand the main components of a vehicle’s braking system. You have the master cylinder, lines, rotors (or drums), brake pads (or shoes), brake booster, and pedal. But one small component plays a major role when it comes to brake noise. Here’s everything you want to know about brake pad shims which are sometimes … Read more

7 Symptoms of a Bad Brake Master Cylinder (and Replacement Cost)

bad brake master cylinder

When you step on the brake pedal in a vehicle to slow it down, its braking system uses a brake master cylinder to convert the pressure you place on the pedal into hydraulic pressure. The conversion of the pressure takes place because the brake master cylinder transfers brake fluid to the braking circuit as you … Read more

When to Replace Brake Pads (Minimum Brake Pad Thickness)

minimum brake pad thickness

Brake discs are the modern-day equivalent of the brake shoes that were used in the older drum braking system. Nowadays, most vehicles use a disc braking system to allow the driver to slow down and stop their vehicle. This system is comprised of a brake caliper which contains pistons and brake pads. There is also … Read more