Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. That’s why it’s so important to keep them in good condition by performing regular brake repairs. Here are 5 quick tips to help you get the most out of your brake repairs:
1. Make sure your brakes are properly aligned.
If your brakes are misaligned, it can cause them to wear out faster. Have a mechanic check your alignment every time you have your brakes repaired. Misaligned brakes can wear down quickly and cause other problems as well.
2. Keep your brake fluid at the correct level.
A car’s braking system is made up of two hydraulic systems. This means that the brakes use brake fluid to create pressure and stop your wheels from rotating. It’s important to keep this fluid at a safe level, so always check your vehicle manual for exact details on how much it needs. Brake fluid is important for proper braking function, so make sure to keep it topped up.
3. Inspect your brake pads regularly and replace them when necessary.
If you hear grinding noise when braking, it’s likely that your brake pads need to be replaced. Inspect your brake pads regularly and replace them when necessary to keep your car stopping safely.
When your brake pads are worn out, they start to make a loud grinding sound. This is because the metal backing plate of the pad makes contact with the metal rotor (disc). If you let this go on for too long, it can result in permanent damage to your rotors and will likely be very expensive.
4. Keep your brakes properly adjusted.
A brake adjustment restores the friction between the brake caliper and brake pad. This friction helps stop your vehicle when you press on the brakes. If your brakes don’t have enough “bite,” then you should get them adjusted as soon as possible to prevent an accident.
Making sure your brakes are properly adjusted will help ensure that they work as efficiently as possible and can prevent unnecessary wear on the brake system. Have a mechanic check and adjust them as needed.
5. Check for fluid leaks.
The first thing to do when you suspect your brakes need attention is to check for fluid leaks. Most brake systems have reservoirs that hold the hydraulic fluid that makes the system work. If there’s a leak, air will get into the lines and block or reduce the pressure from getting to each wheel as it should. An inspection by a qualified technician can quickly determine if this is your problem.
Leaks are a sign of many kinds of issues, and brake fluid leaks should not be ignored. Check for brake fluid under the vehicle where you typically park it.
If there are any leaks and/or if the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible for repairs. Brake fluid is essential for braking, so you do not want to drive your car if it doesn’t have enough of it.
Have your rotors inspected if you’re experiencing any abnormal vibrations or noise while braking
Your car’s rotors are the metal discs that your brake pads squeeze together to stop the vehicle. Because of this, they take a lot of abuse and can become worn down over time. If you notice any grooves or pits in them, you’ll want to replace them as quickly as possible; otherwise, it could interfere with their ability to properly grip the pads and slow your vehicle down. It is also important that have these inspected regularly by an experienced auto technician since more serious issues can develop without proper care. Rotor damage can also significantly reduce braking performance.
Use high-quality replacement parts when performing brake repairs.
Brake repairs that use low-quality replacement parts can be a false economy because they may need to be replaced again within a short time. If the brake pads are made from inferior materials, they could wear out more quickly and cause damage to other components such as the rotors or calipers. In addition, substandard parts may not fit properly on your vehicle’s make and model. When you choose high-quality replacement parts for your brakes, you can enjoy long-lasting results without worrying about them wearing out too soon or causing further damage to other systems in your car.
Additional Pointers
- Look for positive reviews
When you need to have your brakes repaired, it’s best to turn to a company that has received positive reviews. You may want to take the time out of your busy schedule and ask people in your community what they think about their experiences with various auto repair companies. If you find several different stories from happy customers, then this is a good indication that the service provider delivers quality work at affordable prices. Keep in mind though that not every mechanic or brake specialist will be able to fix all of the issues associated with your vehicle’s braking system.
- Call and ask questions
If there are no complaints about a particular business online, don’t assume that it can’t provide excellent services for you either. There are plenty of great mechanics who just haven’t had anyone take the time to leave a review. Try calling the business and asking some questions about their services. If they can answer your queries satisfactorily, then you can be sure that they will be able to help you with your brake repairs as well.
- Up-to-date technology
It’s also important to find a mechanic who is up-to-date on the latest brake technology. This way, you’ll know that any replacements or repairs that are carried out will be using parts and techniques that are compatible with your vehicle. Choosing an auto repair shop that offers a warranty on their work is another way of ensuring quality service.
Are You Looking for an Independent Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust?
If you’re considering making a change to an independent auto repair mechanic trusted by thousands of happy customers, look no further than autoTECH Blackhawk. Why? We differ from other automotive repair stops because we are a relationship shop. This means that the more of your car repair needs we support you with, the better able we are to customize our recommendations based on your driving habits and needs. Whether you want to keep the daily driver in ‘good enough’ condition, style your new car so that it’s customized just for you, maintain your favorite car in ‘like new’ condition, or even train your whole family to be more knowledgeable about cars – we partner with you to ensure that your cars meet your needs. We also offer an industry-leading 3-Year/36,000 mile warranty, so we only use Original Equipment and manufacturer recommended products. Contact us now to book your no-contact, friendly appointment! We truly value your trust and your business, so thank you for staying local with your auto repair needs.
