The brakes on your vehicle work hard every time you drive. When you slow down in traffic, stop at a red light, or must maneuver a quick hard stop because of an obstruction in the road your brakes are at work. Over time the use of your brakes causes normal wear and tear, which can render them ineffective or useless. It’s important to have regular maintenance performed on your braking system to keep it in tip top shape, and provide safe driving conditions for you and your family.

What Makes a Brake

The brake system in your vehicle is comprised of a disc, also called a rotor, a caliper, and the brake pad. From inside the car, it seems like all that happens is a push on the brake pedal, and the vehicle stops. But inside the car, this depressed pedal sends brake fluid through the brake lines as a piston moves in the master cylinder. As pistons in the caliper are initiated, the brake shoe pushes against the rotor, causing friction on the brake drum. Essentially, this pressure caused by your brake pad on the drum will slow the roll of your vehicle, and eventually cause it to stop.

In this way, you can see that your brakes are powered by much more than a simple pedal on the floor of your vehicle. It takes many working factors to make your car stop safely and timely on the road. Which is why it’s super important to keep every part in working order through continued preventative maintenance.

Why Choose a Mechanic?

Brake pad replacement is one of the minor jobs that many DIY car owners decide to try themselves. While it’s certainly one of the easier fixes to master over time, it’s important that you know exactly what you’re doing if you attempt this at home. When it comes to something as important as your brakes, we at Glenn’s Auto Repair, always recommend a certified mechanic over a DIY job. You may save yourself a few bucks, but if the pad isn’t fitted properly, or damage occurs to the caliper or other brake components during the fix, your vehicle may be rendered unsafe on the roads.

If your brakes are squeaking, sticking, or seem to take much more pressure than usual to engage, it’s time to see a mechanic.

Making regular trips of less than 3 to 4 miles, with each followed by several hours of inactivity, can be tough on your engine. The short trip is harder on your engine than longer trips because there is not enough time for the engine to completely warm up and burn off condensation and fuel vapors that form in the crankcase. Over time, these contaminants will accumulate and result in the formation of corrosive acids and sludge, making the oil less effective at doing its job.

The age of your vehicle

Older vehicles or vehicles with higher mileage may require more frequent oil changes. Many new vehicles will have an oil life indicator but older vehicles may not have this feature. Older vehicles tend to use oil less efficiently and will contaminate new oil faster than a new engine.

Driving conditions

If you are driving in extreme weather conditions you should be aware of the effects this can have on your oil. Consider using a synthetic oil to add some extra protection. In addition to the weather, making trips where you are stopping and starting frequently – such as city driving or bumper to bumper traffic – can do a number on your engine. Sticking to your maintenance plan is even more important if your daily commute includes frequent stopping-and-starting. If you are this type of driver you may benefit from more frequent oil changes – especially if you have an older vehicle.

Plan Your Project with Your Software

Since most of us spend a considerable portion of our daily time on mobile apps and since they have a plethora of options for every app niche, knowing their specific needs, priorities, preferences, and expectations become very crucial for app marketers. This is why every app must conduct elaborate market research before starting with an app project. Even while the app is ready for launch, you need to make a launch plan based upon the most suitable channels and marketing message for your target audience.