Safety should always be an essential element of your car care. So even if you don’t care about how your car looks, you should practice preventive maintenance to protect yourself — and other East Windsor drivers — on the road. And good safety starts with good brakes.

Brakes need a regular inspection. There are vital parts that wear out or wear down, and it’s best to replace them before you have problems.

Of course, if you are having trouble with your brakes, NOW is the time to fix them. If your brake warning light is on, that’s a good sign that you need your brakes checked. East Windsor car owners can also tell something is wrong with their brakes by the feel of the pedal or unusual sounds while braking. If the brake pedal is low, feels spongy when you press it or is hard to push, that indicates a problem with your brakes. If you hear squealing, grinding or clunking noises when you brake, that can also indicate troubles. If vibrations accompany braking, then it is important to get your brakes checked.

Brakes come in two basic types. With disk brakes, a rotor is attached to the axle of the vehicle. Padded calipers straddle the rotor, which close when the brakes are applied. The resulting friction causes the rotor — and the axle — to stop turning. With drum brakes, brake pads (also called shoes) press against the inside of a drum to create friction and stop the drum, and hence the minivan’s wheels, from turning.

When Marselli Precision Automotive services your brake system, your considerate technician checks all of the brake pads for wear. If they are too thin, they need to be replaced. This is an inexpensive repair at Marselli Precision Automotive compared to what procrastination will cost you. If pads wear away completely, then the rotors and drums can be damaged. They will have to be either resurfaced or replaced, and that can be pricey. But if your minivan brake pads are worn out, then your brakes are compromised and your stopping power is greatly reduced. You could easily wind up in an accident.

Brake pads come in several different grades such as regular, metallic and ceramic. The higher grades are more expensive in East Windsor, but they also work better. CT auto owners who want better and smoother braking, should consider upgrading. However, Bloomfield drivers should NEVER use a brake pad that is lower than your auto manufacturer’s recommendation.

After you your brake pads are checked at Marselli Precision Automotive, it’s critical to have your brake fluid checked. This is a critical element in your brake system. When you press your brake pedal, you are compressing the brake fluid, creating pressure that activates the brake pads. If your fluid pressure is low, it will cut down your braking power. The pads just won’t be able to press hard enough against the rotor or drum to stop your minivan. Just as with worn pads, insufficient brake fluid can lead to a detrimental and pricey accident in East Windsor.

Water can build up in your brake fluid, which can cause detrimental corrosion in your braking system. Eventually this can cause your brake fluid to leak. So East Windsor motorists should also change their brake fluid periodically. Your minivan owner’s manual will have guidelines on how often it should be replaced or ask a considerate service professional at Marselli Precision Automotive. We have been servicing brake systems in East Windsor for 5 years. 

Remember, Bloomfield folks, safety first. It’s essential auto advice for all East Windsor drivers on the road. You’re not just protecting others; you’re protecting yourself.