You may buy your vehicle based on how fast it accelerates, how it performs, and how it corners; but once you are on the road, a more important factor will be how effectively your braking system slows down your car and brings it to a stop. Keeping your car’s braking system in good condition is necessary for your safety, for the longevity of your car, and for fuel efficiency.

Modern Brake Systems Are Complex

Today, cars often use disc brakes on all four wheels, although some older cars have disc brakes on the front and drums on the back. Vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS) also have sensors on the wheels that detect if the car is going into a skid, and pulse the brake to slow down the car and keep it under control. As car manufacturers respond to concerns by regulatory bodies for improved fuel efficiency, energy use and safety, newer models have additional features such as Brake Assist (BA), electronic stability control (ESC), adaptive cruise control (ACC).

What all this means for the car owner is that as the braking system becomes more complex, brake maintenance and competent repair is more necessary than ever. While a beginning backyard mechanic might be able to replace disc brake pads or drums and maybe even work on hose or cable replacement, the list of jobs that need to be entrusted to a professional keeps getting longer. You need the reliable ASE certified mechanics at auto Repair experts to regularly inspect all elements of your brake system to make sure it is working properly.

When Do You Need Brake Service

Your car manufacturer may suggest how often to check your brake system. Though the system has many components, the brake pads are the first element to show wear. As a good rule of thumb, an average driver should check the pads every 6 to 12 months, while a frequent driver needs a check every three months and an infrequent driver should get an inspection every 8 to 12 months. If you notice that your brakes no longer respond quickly, the brake pedal feels spongy, you hear scraping or squealing, or your brake light comes on, you need service.

Serving NW Houston With Comprehensive Brake Service

There are so many things that can go wrong with your brake systems that many repair shops advertise a brake inspection that encompasses dozens of points. At Cherry Park Automotive, we go beyond checking the pads and examine every aspect of your complex brake system, starting with the pedal, master cylinder, brake booster, fluids, and hoses, all the way up to the most intricate part of your ABS. Our technicians have the state-of-the-art training and tools needed to handle the most advanced braking components.

When you need brake service in the NW Houston area, including Cherry Park, Copperfield, and Jersey Village, make Cherry Park Automotive your destination for maintenance and repair.