11 Parts of a Brake System (and Their Functions)

brake system components

The brake system in your vehicle allows the driver to slow down or stop in a consistent and reliable manner. The brakes on your car work by converting the kinetic energy of movement into thermal energy (heat). Each time you step on the brake pedal, the speed of the spinning wheels underneath your vehicle is … Read more

8 Symptoms of a Brake Caliper Sticking (And Common Causes)

disc brake rotor

Brake calipers are important components of the braking system. A seized brake caliper (also called a sticking brake caliper) is what happens when the brakes clamp down, but don’t release when you take your foot off the brake pedal. Common Sticking Brake Caliper Symptoms Below are seven of the most common symptoms of brake caliper … 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

6 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

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

Have you ever pressed on your brake pedal, expecting the normal, confidence-inducing deceleration, only to be met with a spongy pedal, warning light in your dash, or lack of stopping power? These are all key signs that your brake master cylinder may be failing you. Ignoring these, and other symptoms of a faulty brake master … Read more