When driving, experiencing locked brakes is undoubtedly frightening. As you know, properly functioning brake systems are one of the most important components of the car. In light of this, if your brakes have locked up while on the road, it is of utmost importance that the cause of this occurrence is identified. Some of the most common reasons for locked brakes are described here.
What causes your brakes to lock?
There are several reasons this can occur. Some of these include:
Overheated braking system: The braking system may overheat for many reasons, but simply put, overheating is caused by friction. Friction is a natural part of the braking system, but a number of faults can create an increase in friction and cause the system to overheat. If this is occurring, it is best to take your car in to find out why (see more about brake overheating here).
Braking system with brake fluid reservoir pictured.
Using incorrect brake fluid: Brake fluid lies within the brake lines and ultimately is what applies pressure to the wheels to make them stop. It operates at high temperatures, and if the brake fluid is incorrect or maybe low, it will cause the brakes to not operate properly and possibly lock up.
Misalignment of the power brake booster rod: The brake booster function is actually self-explanatory: it boosts the power of the brake. This allows less pressure to be applied in order to brake, which makes braking safer. If this component is misaligned, it can cause a dangerous brake lock up.
Damaged drum brake backing plates: A drum brake is a brake that uses friction caused by a set of shoes or pads that press outward against a rotating cylinder-shaped part called a brake drum. Backing plates are metal plates that function as the foundation for drum brakes. When these are damaged, the brakes do not push outward/cause friction correctly, which means the brakes may lock up.
Damaged or broken calipers or rotors: The brake caliper piston uses hydraulic pressure to suspend the brake pads around the spinning brake disc rotor. The caliper presses the brake pads against the rotor. When the brake pedal is released, the caliper allows the brake pads to pull away from the rotor so the wheel can be free to move again. If this component is broken or damaged, either the calipers or the rotors can cause the brakes to lock up instead of the rotor continuing to spin.
Defective ABS component: ABS components are a part of newer car model braking systems. This is what prevents the car from locking up on slippery patches. If this component is defective, that is certain to cause brakes to lock up.
Brakes locking up repair in Hamilton
Again, properly functioning brakes are vitally important for safely operating vehicles. If you have experienced brake lock-up or other brake problems, your car should be looked at as soon as possible otherwise you can easily lose control of your vehicle while braking.
Locked up brake servicing in Hamilton. If you have experienced locked-up brakes, come into Grimmer Motors today for a quick, easy, and efficient brake diagnosis. By visiting our shop, you are sure to get professional service from skilled mechanics who can service brakes that have been damaged, regardless of cause.
For car braking diagnostics, servicing, and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!