Power Brakes in Omaha, NE
Basically, the power brake system helps you provide braking power so that you don’t have to do all the work with your brake pedal.
The brakes themselves are applied at the wheel using hydraulic pressure. When we step on the brake pedal, we create pressure in the power booster that’s multiplied by vacuum from the engine. The resulting pressure pushes brake fluidthrough the master cylinder into tubes and hoses that run to the brake at each wheel.

When there’s a problem, it’s usually a fluid leak somewhere along the line. It could be at a fitting or a hose, or even an internal leak in the master cylinder. A leak gives the pressurized fluid somewhere to go other than to the brakes, so stopping power is hurt. Lose enough fluid and you can’t stop at all. Of course that’s extremely dangerous.

Omaha NE Power BrakesIf you notice any decrease in stopping power or if your pedal seems mushy, you could have a problem. There are some preventive maintenance items for the power brake system that will help them last longer.

Obviously you’d want to make sure your brake fluid is filled to the recommended level. Low fluid in the master cylinder could indicate a leak or worn brake material.Master cylinder leaks are usually just because it’s worn out but, leaks in the brake lines and connectors can be minimized by replacing the brake fluid from time to time. Brake fluid has additives that protect against corrosion that can damage brake components.

Brake fluid also attracts moisture which can lead to rust – not a good thing for expensive anti-lock brake components. Also, significant amounts of water in the brake fluid can affect stopping power because the water has a much lower boiling point than brake fluid. In the high temperature environment of the brake system, the water can vaporize – and steam doesn’t do a very good job of providing hydraulic pressure.

A final word – make sure you use the recommended type of brake fluid. There are several kinds and using the wrong one can lead to total brake failure. Your Bennington service advisor at Westgate High-Tech Auto Care can help you. Just give us a call at 402.397.8144.

Omaha Power Breaks FAQs

Question: What is power brake service and why do Omaha drivers need to have it done?

Westgate High-Tech Auto Care Answer:
Imagine: you pour a tablespoon of water in your hand and throw it as hard as you can. Now, suppose you suck up a tablespoon of water into a syringe, push the plunger and squirt it out. Which would go further?

Of course it’s the water squirting out of the syringe. That’s because you pressurized the water. Your power brake system is kind of the same thing. When you step on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pressurizes brake fluid which actuates the brakes so you can stop. Omaha drivers who don’t have enough pressure – can’t stop.

A leak in your brake system would curtail – or even eliminate – your stopping power. Brake fluid attracts moisture which can cause harmful leak-inducing corrosion. So a great way for Omaha auto owners to keep their brake fluid free of contaminants is to change it as recommended.

Enough brake fluid is key for the proper function of Omaha drivers anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems. Your understanding Westgate High-Tech Auto Care technician will survey your brake fluid level during a full-service oil change. If it’s low it may indicate that a thorough brake inspection is essential. Low brake fluid is most usually caused by worn brake pads.

Some of the signs of a leak are reduced stopping power and spongy or hard pedal feel. If you suspect a problem, come into Westgate High-Tech Auto Care for a brake inspection right away.

Our Omaha Power Brakes Repair Services

Most Omaha drivers know that braking means slowing or stopping a vehicle. The mechanical aspects of the brakes themselves are just one issue. There’s also the power brake system andbrake fluid. And then there are the tires, which are critical to the effectiveness of the brakes.

Let’s step back. A car or truck rolls brand new off the showroom floor at a local Omaha dealer. It has brand new brakes with brand new brake pads. The brake lines and the power assist are filled with fresh fluid and are completely clean inside. And the SUV tires are brand new, with full tread. Naturally, braking power is at its peak performance.

Now, as your drive from Omaha to Bennington and back, the miles start to add up. Most Omaha car owners tend to focus on the brake pads. In the Omaha automotive service community, the pads, and shoes on drum brakes, are called the friction material. That’s because they provide the friction used to stop the SUV. 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 spec that they lose stopping effectiveness.

The mechanical parts of the brakes have pistons and springs that get quite a workout while stopping the SUV. Over many miles, these wear and get gummed up. They start to lose effectiveness gradually and could even fail. That’s why a regular brake inspection is important. At Westgate High-Tech Auto Care, 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 Westgate High-Tech Auto Care. Some of the critical additives in the fluid that lubricate and clean the SUV fluid system are depleted over time. That and moisture building up in the system deteriorate the performance of the brake fluid. Brake fluid replacement at Westgate High-Tech Auto Care includes flushing the brake system to clean out deposits, water and dirt. Then the system is filled up with fresh fluid.

The tires are what connect the SUV to the road. The stopping force is ultimately dependent on the traction provided by the tires. The better they grip the road, the quicker you’ll stop as you drive around Omaha.

For questions about brakes, brake pads, alignment, brake service, or tires, talk to Westgate High-Tech Auto Care manager Dan Loveless.

Give us a call

Westgate High-Tech Auto Care
402.397.8144
12300 West Center Road
Omaha, NE 68144

At Westgate High-Tech Auto Care in Omaha NE we install quality NAPA replacement parts. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit Website