Wednesday 16 October 2013

The Importance of a Complete Brake Service

Many motorists are in the habit of booking their car in for an annual service, but may be guilty of ignoring seemingly minor issues between services. This is usually not a good idea as you may find minor issues develop into costly and major repair problems over time. One aspect of car maintenance which should never be neglected is your brakes. If you notice grinding, squealing or diminished response when braking, then you are in need of an immediate brake service. Perth motorists should take any of these issues seriously as there could potentially be a problem with your brake system which would increase your stopping distances and compromise the safety of your vehicle.

•    Potential Brake Problems:

There are a number of issues which could be diagnosed during a break service. Perth vehicles can experience worn brake pads or rotors which would need replacement. Common issues also include a need for calliper slide lubrication, adjustment of the brake shoes or a blockage in the brake fluid line. Many of these issues are very simple for a qualified mechanic to remedy, but if allowed to progress unchecked could seriously impact the braking performance of your car.

•    Why Problems Occur:

As with components of any system, through the passage of time parts can become worn. This wear could be noticed during your regular annual service, but if you are driving more frequently, the rate of wear will increase. It is very common for brake components to wear out and need to be replaced or serviced.

Most vehicles have either brake discs or drums, although some vehicles have each of these components. Brake discs have a calliper which holds a pad to grip the brake rotor and slow your car when you press the brakes. Brake drums have shoes which push on the inside of the drum to reduce your speed and stop your car. These components endure a great deal of stress under normal driving conditions so have a limited life expectancy. As the shoes and pads wear, they become less effective and need to be replaced. In these circumstances, you may also need the rotors to be replaced.

•    Why Don’t Brakes Wear at the Same Rate:


Usually, you will find that the brakes on the front wheels wear out at a faster rate since there is greater pressure on the front of your car as the weight of the car is transferred forward when you slow down. There are some exceptions to this on certain models of car which have optimised braking systems to evenly distribute breaking between both the front and rear brakes.

•    Reducing the Need for Brake Servicing:

Although wear is inevitable there are several ways to reduce the rate. This includes driving more consciously to avoid unnecessary breaking. It is also very beneficial to regularly check brake fluid levels to ensure that the system is properly lubricated.

If you are interested in learning more about a brake repairs service Perth motorists should contact us. We have experience and expertise in all aspects of auto service and repair including brake systems. We would be delighted to assist you with any questions or queries you may have.