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Your Vehicles Disc Brake System

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Disc Brakes – Why they are Important. Our vehicles are important to us for many reasons. They take us on family road trips, get us to and from work, and for some, they visually display the fruits of successful hard work. Because we use our vehicles daily it is important to understand the #1 safety feature, which are your disc brakes. Understanding how this system works and why it is important to maintain a completely functioning brake system is key to your safety and the safety of others on the road with you. How the Disc Brake System Works The main components of the brake system are the Calipers, Brake Pads, and Rotors. The calipers squeeze the brake pads against both sides of the rotors and that friction slows the vehicle's wheels down by removing the kinetic energy and stopping your vehicle. Why maintaining your Brake Pads is important? Keeping the pads on your vehicle maintained will extend the life of your entire braking system. When the pads wear down beyond the life of the...
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Timing Belts and Timing Chains A timing belt and timing chain play a key role in keeping a car or truck running at peak performance. Your vehicle will contain either a timing belt or a timing chain. A timing belt is made of rubber and will crack and require replacement at specific maintenance intervals that are defined by your vehicle's manufacturer. A timing chain is made of metal and will last longer. Although these timing components are made of different materials,  they both do the same thing by synchronizing the various parts of the engine so they can work together. Signs that your Timing Belt Needs to be Replaced. 1. You hear ticking sounds from the engine 2. Your car engine won't turn over or struggles to turn over. 3. Your vehicle has reached the maintenance mileage based on your car manufacturer's replacement recommendation. 4. The check engine light is illuminated 5. Your vehicle misfires or runs rough. At Nichols' we are skilled and completing even the most ...