Brakes autoparts for all car brands

The braking system of a car is one of the most important components for making it manageable and secure. The brake decelerates the car in such a way that it doesn’t skid and it loses speed very fast in dangerous situations.

Simple effects, complex technology

A braking system, with modern components such as ESP and ABS, is a complex technology that has mechanical, hydraulic and electronic components.
The actual braking action takes place on the brake discs (sometimes even drums). These are located directly on the wheels. Some types, such as older Jaguar sedans have their brake discs on the drive shafts. At the rotating brake disks, the brake pads are pressed together with hydraulic pressure. It occurs likewise in the brake drum, where the brake shoes are movable members. The hydraulic pressure is supplied via lines which are supplied by a main brake cylinder with brake fluid. Liquid is used in order to achieve a most direct braking action. Unlike air, liquid does not compress. The pressure is transmitted directly from the main brake cylinder to the brake pads and brake shoes. The main brake cylinder is located on the brake booster, which is connected to the brake pedal.

What breaks at a brake?

The braking system is a highly stressed component, wherein each component will wear sooner or later. However, it is primarily the brake pads and the brake discs that have to be replaced at regular intervals. This is usually quite easy, but nevertheless it has to be carried out exactly as specified by the manufacturer. A worn brake manifests itself in a long braking distance or as a loud grinding noise when braking. Many vehicles today have a warning system which registers worn brake pads. If the brake pads are replaced, the brake disks must always be checked carefully. If there are scratches, grooves or deformations, their replacement is also advised. The thickness has to be checked even if the surface is perfectly straight. The minimum thickness of the brake discs can be read in the instruction manual from the manufacturer of the vehicle. As a rule of thumb, the brake discs should be replaced at the latest after the brake pads were replaced for two times. The same goes for the drum brakes.
When changing the brake, the brake line and the brake fluid must also be replaced. Brake lines tend to rust. If this only superficially rusted it should be grinded immediately and sealed with lacquer. If deep rusted surfaces are detected or even if brake fluid leaks, the cable must be replaced promptly. To further drive car in this situation is extremely dangerous.
Brake fluid also wears. The brake fluid is a special oil, which has in perfect condition a very good and consistent performance under various temperatures. However, the brake fluid is highly hygroscopic, which means it attracts water. This is manifested as a greenish discoloration. To be sure, the water content of the brake fluid should be tested at each brake change. This is done with a hygrometer, which can be borrowed in any workshop or can be bought for little money. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, under high loads, the brake can fail suddenly (for example on a long downhill or in an emergency stop). This happens because the water can start boiling in the brake fluid, causing gas bubbles on the line. Then, instead of an incompressible fluid in the brake system, you have a compressible gas, which can lead lightning fast to decreased a brake pressure.
The main brake cylinder can also wear. This is detectable as a sudden extension of the pedal travel or a "pump effect" during braking. The main brake cylinder is easy to replace, but after that the brake system hast to be vented.

Is the repair of a break expensive?

Brake discs and pads are besides the tires, the most highly stressed components in a car. The spare parts sold on AutopartsPro.co.uk guarantee always the highest, verified quality. Technically, these components are very simple, so they are produced by many manufacturers. A worn brake can be repaired therefore quickly and inexpensively. Since brakes are extremely important components, you can have them tested for free in many workshops. A modern brake tester gives a precise information on the condition of the braking system.