e John Walby <NO),- Some people take their brakes for granted; that. is until they fail. It is then that. the folly of their carelessness is rudely thrust at them with ail the force of an onrushing collision. The confidence of know- ing your brakes wiIl stop you safely, in the shorteszýt possible distance, every time, can only cornle from R ~TOTAL AUTO MPA *I!5 SERVICE LTD. KEEPS IT SEAUTIFUL ELECTRONIC TUN E-UP *edolm symm- MiO ApI.tO ffflt doffltia gcmr, impotsaw lght truks em*on4IecmoçIaluon 282 MONARCH AVE. IUNIT 18 AJAX 45.1114 CYL.' 68.V1CYL 686W3200 e~sMALL CAR CENTRE M3 EUCLID0 ST. WHITBY. 666m2323 ATTERSLEY TIR E SERVICE PASSENGER & LIGHT TRUCKS BRAKES TUNE-UP SHOCKSý EXHAUST 103 Dundas E. -Whltbyý 162 KIng St. E. Oshawa 571-3400 having your car's. braking system serviced regularly. How the-y work. The ýsystem is comprised of a brake pedal, a master cylinder with a reservoir'for brake fiuid, brake lines and another smaller cylinder for each wheel. Th ere are disc brakes on the front wheels of most domestic models and drum brakes on As a safety feature, the front and rear brakes of most late model cars work independently so that, if one systemi fails, the other can stop your car. When ,you push on your brake pedal, pressure is generated in the master cyl- inder and brake lines, which, in the case of front disc brakes, forces friction pads against'disc*s, which are'attached to and turn- with the wheel. In the case of rear drumi brakes, the brake. fluid under pressure in the wheel cylinders for- ces brake shoes against each of the drums. The more pressure you apply to the brake pedal, the more the friction in the front and rear brakes slow your., vehicle. Some owners of vehicles equipped with powerbrakes believe they can stop faster than- those whose cars aren't equipped with power brakes. That's not sa. While poyer brakes make it easier' to depress the brake pedal, they don't improve your braking system's stapping performance. They only lessen the effort- needëd to apply the brakes.1 Unlike the primary sys- tem, which operates chiefly by hydraulics, the parking brake is connected ta, the rear wheels of your car by steel cables. When you apply the parking brake, these, steel cables tighten up, causing. your vehicle's rear brakes to be applied mechanically. There is usually ample warning that your braking system is in need of service. A squeaking brake, for ex- ample, is a sure sign that your brakes need attention. Many cars have built in wear indicators that make a high pitched squealing sound when new brake lin- ings are needed. If your brake -pedal be- cornes'spongy and you have to depress it further than normal before your car begins to slowV, itis un- safe to drive your vehicle and tirne to have your tech- nician take a look. Resist the temptation to open the master cylinder yourself. You may inadvert- ently damage the wire bail, or gasket that keeps the cyl- inder properly sealed. This seal is important because dirt can spell disaster to a brake system. Nevertheless, any loss of fluid may mean you have a Ieak in the hydraulic sys- tem. A good technician will routinely check for leaks whenever he services your braking system.. Tahe it easy! Your driving habits can accelerate brake- wear and shorten intervals between brake jobs. By constantly riding the brake pedal, you needlessly wear out brake linings. Similarly, frequently jam- I ~ ___________ P~R rici~at riunPL ming on your brakes when it's flot necessary also speeds up wear and tear.an your brakes. Steady, firm pressure ôn the brake pedal is ail you really need. Don't take your brakes for granted. If you do you're apt to geta rude awakening. John Walby trains auto- mobile technicians for Esso Petroleum Canada. J-I AUTO BODY '0'USonEDCAARS cOPLETE AUTO BODY WR EA EM S405 MARY ST. EAST WHITD3Y ONT _fg!ýj666-255 AFTER HOUAS 284-8024 IPRO DODGE I Your ÉLo c'al iChrysler-D)odge ISales and.Ser vice MAG WHEELS VISITouR NEW LOCATIO N 317 HOPKINS ST. 66 K. en 4>6, A ci lits, s21211.