As the MINI parts that bring your car to a stop, brakes are critically important for both safety and performance. The brakes are made up of hundreds of tiny individual parts, as well as some larger ones that you may be familiar with, like the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. A typical MINI service appointment here at our MINI service center will include a thorough check of your car’s brake system. Here is everything you need to know about car brakes.
How Do Brakes Work?
There is a lot that happens when you press down on the brake pedal, which brings your MINI Countryman, MINI Cooper Hardtop, or other model to a stop.
A simple explanation of what happens is that when you hit the brakes, that tells the cylinders to supply brake fluid to the calipers so that they can power the brake pads. Pressure from the brake pads is applied to the brake rotors, which provides the necessary amount of friction to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
How Often Should I Have My Brakes Inspected?
Early detection of potential issues is a key component of maintaining the performance of your brakes. A very loose guideline is that you should have your brakes inspected yearly, at the very least. Check your owner’s manual for recommended service intervals particular to your make and model.
What Are Signs of Brake Trouble?
If you are noticing any of the following signs, you should bring your MINI car in for brake service:
- Screeching, squealing, grinding, or other unusual sounds
- Braking requires more pedal pressure
- Brake warning light is on
- Vibration and pulsation through the brake pedal and steering wheel
To schedule your MINI brake service appointment, contact our mechanics today.
