Driving your car with confidence is easy when you can rely on the brakes to perform as expected. Without the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid, your car would be undrivable as it’d be unable to stop. Ignoring the wear on these components affects your vehicle’s safety and performance, which is why regular maintenance is critical. Take a deep dive into your Nissan’s brake system to understand how it works and when to fix it.
Understanding the Basics of Your Nissan’s Brake System
To understand how your vehicle’s brake system works, you need to know the individual components within the system and their function. Here are the key parts of your Nissan’s brake system:
- Calipers: The calipers, mounted on each wheel’s rotor, house your Nissan’s brake pads.
- Brake pads: The brake pads are metal plates made from heat-absorbing material, which are mounted on each side of the caliper. These pads press against the rotors and create friction, slowing your car down.
- Rotor: The rotors are iron discs attached to the caliper assembly and are responsible for spinning each wheel.
- Brake fluid: Brake fluid, or hydraulic oil, is pushed through the brake lines to create hydraulic pressure that activates your Nissan’s brakes.
- Brake lines and hoses: The brake lines and hoses are a system of tubes essential for moving brake fluid from the master cylinder to each wheel’s brake assembly.
- Master cylinder: The master cylinder is a compartment near your Nissan’s engine that holds brake fluid and a piston assembly responsible for transferring the brake fluid through the lines and hoses.
- Pistons: The pistons are metal cylinders that push the brake pads against the rotor to assist braking.
How a Nissan’s Brake System Works
The braking system engages when you press on your car’s brake pedal. Hydraulic oil goes through the brake lines to the calipers on each wheel. The pressure from the brake fluid activates the pistons inside the calipers, which squeeze the brake pads against the rotor. The friction from the brake pads causes the rotor to slow down each tire’s rotation, bringing your vehicle to a complete stop. Your Nissan’s ability to stop is compromised if there are any problems with the individual brake system components.
When To Get a Nissan Brake Service
Over time, your Nissan’s brakes will wear down, which often means it takes you longer to stop. This degradation can occur naturally as the individual components age, depending on how you drive. To ensure quality performance, watch for the following signs that your brakes need replacing.
The Brake Light Is On
If your Nissan’s brakes are faulty, a warning indicator will illuminate on the instrument cluster. Low brake fluid, a faulty wire, or a more severe issue with your brakes may trigger the brake light. When this happens, it’s best to have a trained automotive technician check your brake system to find what’s causing the light to come on.
You Hear Squeaking or Squealing Noises
If your car brakes quietly, it suggests that the system is working correctly. If you hear squeaking or squealing noises when you apply the brakes, this indicates there’s something wrong. Your Nissan’s brake pads have a wear indicator that emits a high-pitched sound when they reach a less-than-acceptable thickness.
There’s a Grinding Noise Coming From Your Brakes
As mentioned above, any noises from your brakes indicate they need immediate attention from a certified mechanic. A grinding noise happens when the brake pads have completely worn down, exposing bare metal that’s rubbing against the rotors.
The Brake Pedal Is Soft and Spongy
If you notice little resistance from the brake pedal and a squishy feeling when you push down, it’s likely due to brake fluid leakage, which can result in pedal malfunction. Driving in this condition is unsafe, and you should have your brake system repaired immediately.
Routine Brake Maintenance Tips and Best Practices
If you notice one of the previous warning signs, it’s important to take your car to an automotive service professional to avoid more damage to the brake system. However, routine Nissan brake maintenance is an effective way to prevent these issues from occurring. We recommend inspecting your brakes every 10,000 miles to ensure all components function correctly. If any issues arise, your mechanic can replace fluids, pads, rotors, and lines.
A pro tip on maintaining your brakes is to manage how you apply them when you drive. If you brake aggressively or too much, you could cause premature wear, resulting in costly repairs. Adjust your braking style to avoid damaging your Nissan’s brake system.
FAQ
Want to learn more about your Nissan’s brakes? Check out the following FAQ:
What Is the Cost of Nissan Brake Maintenance?
The cost of Nissan brake maintenance can vary greatly depending on the condition of your brakes and the required services. A brake inspection may be inexpensive, but a brake pad replacement can be more costly, as service centers typically charge per axle.
Where Can You Get Nissan Brake Pad Replacement?
The best place to get brake pads replaced is at a reputable Nissan dealership’s service center. Getting your brakes serviced by a Nissan mechanic ensures they use genuine parts designed specifically for your car’s year and model for a perfect fit and quality performance.
What Are the Benefits of Disc Brakes?
Disc brakes improve your Nissan’s efficiency, providing greater stopping power, better heat dispersion, and improved handling in wet conditions. Plus, they have a simple design, making it easier for auto technicians to repair or replace them quickly.
Schedule a Brake Inspection at Burleson Nissan
Regular brake maintenance helps ensure the safety and performance of your Nissan. If you need a Nissan brake inspection in Burleson, Texas, contact our Burleson Nissan service center to schedule an appointment today. Our skilled technicians are experienced with Nissans, knowing the right parts and tools to get your car back up and running in no time. Ask about our service specials for extra savings on your Nissan brake service.
A Black Car on Wet Asphalt Road by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License
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