P3 Automotive – Brake Repair and Maintenance

When was the last time you had your brakes checked or serviced? If you’re not certain,head to your local brake experts at P3 Automotive for an inspection.Knowing your brakes are in good shape provides peace of mind and helps to ensure that you and your family are safe on the road.

Is it time to get your brakes checked?

  • Brake sensors or warning lights: The brake warning light normally comes on for a second when you start the car. If it lights up while driving, you may be low on brake fluid due to a leak or a master cylinder problem.
  • Constant squealing or squeaking during braking could mean your brake pads are wearing or slipping. Minor noise can often be eliminated by having your brakes cleaned.
  • Grinding noises typically mean that brake pads are nearly gone. Continuing to drive can be dangerous and could lead to more expensive repairs as the rotors become damaged.
  • Pulsing brake pedal or spongy pedal–any time the brake pedal feels different–your foot goes down further, closer to the floor when you apply the brakes.
  • Longer stopping distances or slow brake response

Even if you don’t see any signs of trouble, consider a brake checkup when seasons change, as you get your car ready for winter or summer. Also check brakes as part of scheduled maintenance visits listed in your owner’s manual. Since brake linings wear gradually, you may not notice subtle changes in performance, so let your calendar be your guide to prevent brake problems from occurring.

Brake Systems and Components

Brake fluid: The quality (age) and amount of brake fluid you have in your car matters, so make sure to check the fluid level and have the fluid changed as needed. Your P3 mechanic will check fluid levels at every oil change.

Master cylinder: Pushes brake fluid through valves and hoses into hydraulic calipers (for disc brakes) and wheel cylinders (for drum brakes).

Calipers (disc brakes): Hydraulic calipers fitted with brake pads grasp and slow the spinning disc (or rotor) with friction. Cars and light trucks have front disc brakes. Most also have rear discs, although some have rear drum brakes.

Drum brakes: Use hydraulic wheel cylinders (drums) to push brake shoes against the inside of a spinning drum to slow the wheels with friction.

Brake pads (shoes/linings): The life of brake linings varies depending on whether you drive in an urban area or do mostly highway, freeway or rural driving. Stop-and-go driving wears brakes and pads more quickly.

ABS brakes: Automatically pump the brakes for you in an emergency stop. Electronic sensors measure your speed, braking force and wheel slip, activating the pumps when needed. 

P3 Automotive

Dealer expertise without the dealer prices.
Serving Tallahassee and surrounding communities for over 25 years.

Visit us at1031 South Magnolia Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301

Call us at (850) 877-8811