Start, steer, and stop. A car that doesn’t start up, steer in the direction you want, or stop when you apply the brakes, is pretty worthless. Driving a faulty vehicle is not just a danger to you, but to every other driver on the road. If you drive a performance vehicle like a Porsche, maintaining proper brakes will keep you and your family safe and protect the investment you have made in a great high-end auto.
What are some signs you might need to have your brake system checked out? Well, the folks at Fremont Foreign Auto have all the answers.
Understanding the Basics of Braking Systems
Every new model vehicle, including Porsche, uses a high-quality disc braking system. When you step on the pedal, that action sends a signal to the master cylinder to send braking fluid through the brake line. The fluid activates a Brembo caliper (which has a series of small pistons) designed to push the brake pads toward a disc (rotor). The pads make contact with the surface of the disc, creating friction, which in turn slows or stops the car.
There are specific pads and rotors designed for luxury high-performance vehicles such as the Porsche you drive. A ceramic-coated carbon pad is designed to dissipate the heat more evenly across the face of the rotor. In addition, the rotors on Porsches tend to be larger, allowing more surface area for the pad to make contact with. All of these factors improve the braking performance, which is why a Porsche can handle curves at higher rates of speed more efficiently than other makes of vehicles.
What are the Signs My Brakes Might Need Attention?
A Scraping Sound When I Apply the Brake Pedal – Any kind of noise that comes from the car when the brake pedal is applied is likely an indication that the brake pads are worn and need repair. (The pads are held in place by bolts, and as the pads wear down, the bolts become more exposed, until they begin scraping against the disc.)
A Mushy Feel When I Press the Brake Pedal – This can be an indication that there may be air getting into the brake line. The brake line needs to be checked for cracks or deterioration so that the brake fluid that powers the calipers can maintain a constant flow. (Driving a car with air in the brake line means that the brakes will fail when the air pocket reaches the calipers.)
My Porsche Jolts or Shakes When Applying Brakes – Jolting or hard shaking means that the disc may have become warped by the heat of an extreme temperature change. Because the pads need to come into complete contact with the disc, the friction tends to generate a great deal of heat. A warped or damaged rotor means that there is less surface area for the pad to come in contact with and this reduces braking proficiency.
If you live in Newark, or even anywhere in the Bay area, contact Fremont Foreign Auto for all your Porsche needs. Our technicians stand ready to assist you. Call for an appointment today!
