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Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Car Hand brake- Car Repair MYTHS ? Hand Brake (Parking Brakes) Customers always want it Checking?

Car Hand brake

Things that motorists still ask for when having a car repair.(Car Hand brake)

Consequently, this is an article about some of the things that motorists ask for or ask us to check. Hence, when they leave their car with us for servicing. I have to admit that most of these guys are male. Thus, from the older generation of motorists.Naturally, who remember some of the problems that they used to encounter in the past. Of course, on some of the older model cars that were driven then.

Therefore,one of the most asked questions is “Can you just adjust my Car Hand brake”. This comes from the days when I was a young mechanic. So all you had to do to adjust the hand brake on most regular cars. Was to take out a split pin, and turn a screw thread. Of course, to either lengthen or shorten the hand brake cables.Thus giving you more leverage from the handbrake in the brake shoes.

When the handbrakes finally snapped with rust or age. Then, all you had to do was replace it with a new cable,”simple”. This type of hand brake system was always failing. Especially, when you pulled on the hand brake.So, the cable would snap. This, was responsible for many an accident.With cars parked on hills running away. However, this is the type of Car Hand brake that some motorists think their car is fitted with. Thus,thinking that it is only a ten minute job to adjust (at probably no cost to him ).

(Parking Brake)

As the modern car progressed. So it was clear that better braking systems had to developed. As a result, cars were getting faster, then they had to stop more efficiently and quickly. This brings us up to date. Consequently, with more and more car manufacturers using discs on all four corners of their cars. Not fitting the drums system at the rear. (Some newer cars still have drums at the rear, but more are favouring four wheel disc systems, for greater braking efficiency). Modern cars also have a separate handbrakes system. Including, their own drums system. Thus, working in conjunction with the rear discs. of course, which are virtually a separate system from the main brakes. Many cars are now fitted with duel cables. So, that are better protected from the outside elements (corrosion) .Most Car Hand brake on modern cars are much more complicated to service. Of course, now are one and two hour jobs to complete. Some smaller cars have still got rear drums. A Car Hand brake that works by connecting to the Rear Brake Shoes. Requiring freeing off from time to time. Also and lubricating as part of a regular service. But I am afraid that the cables still seize up and have to be come to us for a Car Hand brake Cable Replacement  from time to time especially as the car gets older.

brake is now a different animal?

In the more up to date modern car with disc brakes all round there is an additional lever and cork screw mechanism that is added to the calipers piston. When the driver pulls the hand brake on in the car, the lever forces the cork screw against the same piston that activates the foot pedal system.

This system also has problems with seizing parts and will take more than ten minutes to free off and lubricate for further use. There are other systems such as used by Volvo, that incorporate a separate drum with its own Ferodo Brake Shoes that is connected to the rear discs, this can also be a long job to service correctly.

To summarise the “can you just adjust my Car Hand brake” days are over, we as a garage need to take more time to repair and adjust the modern car hand brake system and indeed what we do is to offer a separate service just to do the cars braking system justice and to offer a first class brake service.

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

BMW Mini Brakes-must have regular servicing for your safety

BMW Mini Brakes

BMW Mini Brakes How your Mini brakes work

 With millions of the new BMW Minis driving about on today’s roads, it is worth thinking about your brakes. When did you last think about your car’s stopping ability?

Just think about your brakes when speeding down the motorway. If you have a soft top Just imagine the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. This is the type of feeling that you get when you are at peace with the world and your Mini Cooper is driving like never before. feels great, doesn’t it? This time, imagine having to slam on the anchors as a car hurtles towards you on the wrong side of the road, then finding out that your cars do not work. That would be a bad thing, but if your BMW Mini Brakes were serviced on a regular basis, you would have no problem stopping your Mini and continuing your journey.

The braking system of automobiles has been constantly updated and modified over the years, particularly in recent years. The modern BMW Mini Brakes system has now become extremely reliable. I can remember when, years ago, cars were always having problems with faulty brakes; in fact, the brakes were one of the parts that failed the most. But with modern cars, such as the new Mini, the braking systems have been developed by the manufacturers, with some of the development coming from motorsport.

6 signs of bad brakes on your BMW Mini

  1. Squealing or grinding noises when braking: This could be a sign that your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.
  2. Vibrations when braking: If you feel vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it could be a sign of a problem with your brake rotors.
  3. Soft brake pedal: If the brake pedal feels “soft” or spongy when you press it, it could be a sign of a problem with your brake master cylinder or brake booster.
  4. Pulling to one side when braking: If your car seems to pull to one side when you brake, it could be a sign of a problem with your brake callipers or brake pads.
  5. Brake warning light: If the brake warning light comes on, it could be a sign of a problem with your brake system.
  6. Burning smell when braking: If you smell a burning smell when braking, it could be a sign of a problem with your brakes. This could be caused by brake pads that are overheating or by a fluid leak in the brake system.

BMW Mini Brakes

The BMW Mini Brakes system generally consists of disks all round. The front and rear brakes are usually discs and pads. The brakes are connected by a system of low-pressure metal pipes. Hence, from the rear and the front discs and wheels to the “master cylinder.” For this reason, the system also includes the hand stop mechanism, or parking brakes. Consequently, the anti-lock system that most cars have these days.

when you apply the BMW Mini Brakes pedal. Thus, to stop or slow down your car, The pedal operates a plunger that applies pressure. As a result, the fluid in your brake pipes. Then it’s on to the master cylinder. The pressure from the pedal is then spread to the other wheels by the master cylinder. It is important that your master cylinder is topped up to the correct level, because it is impossible to stop your car without brake fluid in the cylinder at the correct level.

When you apply the foot pedal to stop your car, the pressure is spread out throughout all of your brake pipe system, and when the pressure is released then the pressure goes back to normal and the brake pads are released so that you can drive your Mini normally. These are some of the reasons that it is important to have your brakes serviced at a reputable Autocentre and by using manufactures approved parts, your car will be safe to drive in all weather conditions and will stop when you want it to stop, not an extra ten feet further on than you wanted to be.

BMW Mini Brakes

If there are air bubbles in the brake fluid your Mini will not stop efficiently. Air bubbles are caused by a leak in the braking system. When the fluid leaks then the leak allows air to  penetrate your brake system.    

This can be detected during a brake inspection or on the floor where you park your Mini. You will see a small patch of what looks like oil on the floor where you park your car. If you see this, then please have your brakes checked as soon as possible; it could be very serious and perhaps lead to a total loss of your brakes.
In Halifax, we offer a complete Free brake check on all models of cars, and we love Minis.