The 4 Types of Car Brakes

Learning about automotive braking systems can positively impact your commitment to routine car care and preventative maintenance. Do you know which type of brakes your vehicle has? Well, there are 4 primary types of automotive brakes, and your car or truck is sure to have one.

Continue reading to learn more about disc brakes, drum brakes, emergency brakes, and anti-lock brakes.

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European Car Brake Repair and Service – Carmel, Indiana 317-571-0800

Ⅰ Disc Brakes

Most cars these days are designed with disc brakes; usually on just the front wheels, but sometimes on all four. Disc brakes contain brake rotors that attach directly to the wheel of a car. Hydraulic pressure is produced by the master cylinder, which then causes the caliper to squeeze the pads on both sides of the brake rotor. This friction, between the rotor and the pads against the wheel, is what makes a vehicle stop.

Ⅱ Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are called drum brakes because they have a brake drum attached to the inside of a wheel. A brake drum is a spinning, cylindrical, automotive component attached to a wheel. This component is what the brakes shoes press into when coming to a stop. They operate similarly to disc brakes. In fact, most cars these days are equipped with drum brakes on the back wheels, and disc brakes on the front.

Anti-Lock Brakes

Many drivers are familiar with anti-lock brakes, or ABS, especially because of how much they are advertised in the media among car commercials. Most modern vehicles are designed with anti-lock braking system, which prevent wheels from locking up upon a sudden impact on the brake. Not only do they prevent tires from skidding when coming to a sudden stop, they allow drivers to stop sooner.

Ⅳ Emergency Brakes

Also known as parking brakes, emergency brakes are incorporated as a secondary braking system in a vehicle, designed to operate separately from the primary automotive braking system. They come in many forms, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Common forms include the stick between the driver’s seat and middle console, a third pedal at your feet, a lever near the steering column, and even a push button for modern, luxury vehicles.

European Car Brake Service and Repair in Carmel Indiana

Call Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for European car brake repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We specialize in European and British cars, and offer dealership level diagnostics for braking systems, transmission and engine problems, electrical malfunctions, and more. We also provide a wide range of additional auto repair services, including factory schedule maintenance and more. Request a free estimate, today.

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European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

Recommended Pre-Winter Maintenance for European Cars

Your European or British vehicle puts the “import” in important when it comes to import auto maintenance and service. Without routine maintenance for your import vehicle, you risk damaging several components, minimizing its performance capacity, and its decreasing lifespan.  Not only is this a costly negligence, but it is also a dangerous one as well. A poorly maintained import car is a safety hazard to its driver and other drivers on the road. It is also a wallet-drainer.

Import auto maintenance is vitally important for these reasons and more. And if you are like most European car owners, you are passionate about your make and model vehicle and willing to do whatever it takes to keep it in excellent condition. One part of this is pre-winter maintenance. Now that the warm weather is behind us, it is the right time to have your import vehicle serviced before the winter climate and precipitation sets in.

Continue reading to learn tips for pre-winter European car maintenance, and get started before the snow is here!

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European Auto Repair and Service – Carmel, Indiana – 317-571-0800

European and German Auto Maintenance

Filters

Filters are the first place to start. After a summer stint, the filters in your vehicle needs to be cleaned or replaced. This includes air filters, oil filters, and fuel filters. At this stage, you want to also have the PCV valves inspected and serviced to ensure the engine runs smoothly during the winter.

Motor Oil Changes

Oil changes are always a mandatory necessity every 3,000 miles or so. In the fall, right before the winter, an oil change is imperative for the vehicle’s winter performance and safety. During an oil change, mechanics will also change the oil filter. This is one maintenance requirement that is absolutely necessary.

Fluid Replacements

With winter comes precipitation, and quite unpredictable precipitation at that. This means you need to make sure your views are never obstructed while driving, especially during a snowstorm. For this reason, be sure to re-fill your windshield wiper fluid to the top, and then keep an extra bottle in the trunk for emergency re-fill needs on the road. Rubber wiper blades are highly recommended, as they are less likely to freeze.

Car Battery

Now comes automotive battery maintenance. You need to have your car’s battery inspected, serviced, or replaced, depending on the type and its condition. Your battery is responsible for getting the engine started, so without it, you can forget driving anywhere. Read your owners’ manual for information about car battery maintenance and care, so you can better prevent draining it.

Looking for a German Factory Trained Mechanic in Carmel, Indiana?

Call Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for dependable car maintenance and repair in Carmel, Indiana for European cars. Our licensed, German Factory-trained mechanics specialize in European and British cars, and provide a wide range of automotive services and repairs at affordable prices. Call 317-571-0800 to request a free estimate, today.

European Automotive Repair Carmel
European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800