When the car in front of you stops short, your anti-lock brake system is there, making sure you don’t slam into another car.

At Christian Brothers Automotive in Amarillo, TX, our courteous professionals want you to know the ins and outs of the braking system.

These 5 tips will come in handy the next time you bring your vehicle into the shop for maintenance.

1. Your brake system is bigger than the brake pads

When concerned drivers walk into the shop for a brake check, they can’t seem to get past brake pads. Well, there’s a lot more to brakes than just a couple of pads.

The braking system also consists of:

• Brake pedal
• Hydraulic master cylinder
• Brake lines and hoses
• Calipers
• Rotors
• Wheel cylinders
• Brake shoes
• Switches, sensors, pumps and modules

Yes, it takes a lot to stop a vehicle.

In addition to checking your brake pads with ever oil change, the brake fluid should also be inspected. At our Amarillo auto repair shop, we take a brake fluid sample whenever you come in for an oil change. This allows us to stay on top of the situation so you’re not blindsided on the road.

2. The Anti-lock Brake System is crucial

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. When you slam on your brakes in extreme situations, the ABS system kicks in to pump the brakes at a fast rate and prevent your car from skidding. The pumping action effectively stops the car while allowing you to maintain control over it.

3. Your brakes probably aren’t grinding

The anti-lock braking system doesn’t activate every time you brake. When it does, many drivers are caught off guard. It may feel like the brakes are grinding, but in many cases it’s just the ABS system pumping the brakes. Keep this in mind the next time you’re in an emergency-braking situation.

4. There is no magic number for brake service

Everyone wants to know the magic number when it comes to brake repairs. Unfortunately, there is no specific mileage when the pads or fluid are replaced. Both procedures are done on an as-needed basis.

Brake maintenance is largely dependent on how the driver handles the car, the road conditions and the environment in which the car is driven.

5. When it comes down to it, you’re the driver

You drive your car more than anyone else. If you’re in doubt about the stopping power of your brakes, please have them checked. Good brakes are the number one safety feature on any vehicle. To be sure, make sure your brake system is visually inspected whenever you have an oil change.