Brake Service at Courtesy Auto Repair Plus in Tiffin
September 13, 2016
Brakes really aren't optional equipment for Tiffin drivers' vehicles. And taking care of them isn't optional either.
A regular brake inspection is on every Ohio driver's vehicle maintenance schedule. At Courtesy Auto Repair Plus, our team will check your brake system and let you know if there are any problems. Of course, if you're having trouble with your brakes, get your car into your Tiffin service center right away. And watch out for these problems:
- Low or spongy brake pedal
- Hard brake pedal
- A brake warning light that stays on
- Constantly squealing or grinding brakes
- Vibrations or clunking sounds when you apply your brakes
There are two types of brakes: disc and drum. Disc brakes have a rotor that's attached to the axle. Calipers straddle the rotor, kind of like the brakes on a bicycle. Drum brakes are more common on back wheels. Pads, called shoes, push against the inside of the drum to slow the vehicle.
There are several things that need to be serviced on the brake system. First, the brake pads and shoes wear out with use and become too thin to really help. If the brake pads wear away completely you can damage the rotors. The calipers can grind grooves in the rotor. Then the rotor must either be resurfaced or replaced, and that can be expensive. But putting it off is dangerous because your vehicle won't stop as quickly. Sometimes rotors warp or crack and must be replaced.
Brake fluid is also important. When the brakes are applied, the pressure in the fluid activates the brake pads or shoes. Not enough fluid, not enough pressure to brake properly. Also, water builds up in the brake fluid over time, which leads to corrosion, leaks and brake damage, and with hard use, the brakes could severely fade or even fail. Tiffin drivers should change the brake fluid when their vehicle manufacturer recommends it.
Be sure to properly maintain your brakes because it's a lot cheaper than paying your nearest Tiffin area body shop after an accident.
Courtesy Auto Repair Plus
967 Bon Air Ave
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
419-443-0797
http://www.courtesyautorepairplus.com
More articles from Courtesy Auto Repair Plus
Round and Round (Wheel Balancing)
August 9, 2026
In a perfect world, all wheels and tires would be perfectly round and weigh exactly the same at every point of the wheel. Unfortunately, they're not, and if they're out of balance, they can reduce the lifespan of your tires, make your vehicle shake like a carnival ride, and maybe even damage a f... More
Road Ready (Trip Inspection)
August 2, 2026
Maybe you've been cooped up for a while and are yearning for a change of scenery. Or maybe you need to visit a relative who lives far away. You choose not to fork out the big bucks for airline tickets, so it's time for a road trip. Make sure you're road ready by having your vehicle professiona... More
Protecting Your Vehicle from Theft in Tiffin, Ohio
July 26, 2026
Every car in Tiffin, Ohio, is at risk for theft. So it's up to us to make our cars a less appealing target and more of a challenge hopefully sending potential thieves to look elsewhere.The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends a layered approach to protecting vehicles: Common sense Visi... More