Hitting The Brakes In Royal Oak
September 4, 2022
Hello Royal Oak, 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 Royal Oak 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. Royal Oak 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 Michigan, 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 TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires is important for your vehicle and your family's safety. At TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires 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 TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires. 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 TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires 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 Royal Oak area roads and surface streets. Studies have shown that wet stopping distance increases significantly as tires wear down. Michigan 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.
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
tlcautocareroyaloak.autotipsblog.com
Need Service?
More articles from TLC Auto Care

Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter: What’s the Difference?
April 26, 2026
You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle. But did you know your vehicle has two different major air filters and they both perform quite differentbut very importantduties? Todays vehicles have a cabin air filter, and an engine air filter. The engine a... More

Royal Oak Road Trip Preparation
April 19, 2026
People from Royal Oak, Michigan, love their cars. And nothing goes with cars better than a Michigan road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road it's great! But there's nothing like car trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt.You can't always avoid problems, but yo... More

No Fountain of Youth (Aging Tires)
April 15, 2026
Can you think of anyone who enjoys aging? Wrinkles where you don't want them, gray hair, eyes that won't focus any more, no stamina. Believe it or not, your tires age, too, and they don't get better the older they get. And here's the important thing to know, even if they can still pass a trea... More
