Hitting The Brakes In Livonia
August 30, 2017
Hello Livonia, let's talk about brakes.
But the mechanical aspects of the brakes themselves are just one issue. There's also the power brake pump and brake fluid. And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.
Let's step back. A new vehicle or truck rolls off a local Livonia showroom floor. It has brand new brakes with brand new brake pads. The brake lines and pump are filled with fresh fluid and are completely clean inside. And the tires are brand new, with full tread. It is ready to go.
Naturally, braking power is at its peak performance. Now the miles/kilometers start to add up on the vehicle. Livonia drivers tend to focus on the brake pads. In the automotive business, the pads and shoes on drum brakes are called the friction material. That's because they provide the friction used to stop the vehicle. The pads are designed to be effective throughout their useful life – it's not until they are worn so thin as to be out of 'specs' that they lose their ability to stop.
The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while breaking. Over long distances around MI, these wear and get gummed up. They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail - a scary possibility. That's why a regular brake inspection at Auto Lab Livonia is important for your vehicle and your family's safety. At Auto Lab Livonia we can test the operation of the brakes and see if any parts need cleaning or replacing.
That leads us to brake fluid service at Auto Lab Livonia. Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the vehicle fluid system are depleted over time. That and moisture building up in the system reduce the performance of the brake fluid. A brake service at Auto Lab Livonia cleans out deposits, water and dirt. Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.
The tires are what connect the vehicle to the road. Stopping force all comes down to traction. The better the tires grip the road, the more quickly you'll stop.
This is especially important on wet Livonia area roads and surface streets. Studies have shown that wet stopping distance increases significantly as tires wear down. MI vehicle owners need to understand that they can have brakes that are operating at peak efficiency and yet still be in danger because their tires are worn out.
Auto Lab Livonia
36251 Five Miles Rd
Livonia, MI 48154
734-432-6000
autolablivonia.autotipsblog.com
Need Service?
More articles from Auto Lab Livonia

Introduction to Diesels for Livonia, MI
April 26, 2026
Something you're going to be hearing a lot about around Livonia, MI, is diesel engines. We're not talking about semi-trucks and buses; we're talking about diesel engine cars, pick-ups and SUVs.Most people in MI are surprised to learn that around half the cars on the road in Europe have diesel eng... More

It's (Not) Complicated (Engine Air Filter)
April 19, 2026
While many components of your vehicle are complex and composed of lots of mechanical and electrical parts, there's one that isn't complicated but still important. It's your engine air filter. (And, we should point out, the engine air filter isn't to be confused with the cabin air filter. The ca... More

Prepare Your Windshield for Winter (Wiper Blades and Fluid for Freezing Temperatures)
April 15, 2026
Winter and freezing temperatures present challenges for different parts of your vehicles. For example, winter tires give you better traction on snow. But some parts of your vehicle that may need special attention for winter are your windshield wipers. You may have found yourself in the middle o... More
