Brake repairs is one of the most common types of services offered by automotive shops in Sydney. While brake maintenance and replacement are inevitable for vehicle owners, there are various ways to ensure your brakes are working properly for longer. Proper brake care and maintenance are simple and straightforward, especially if you are knowledgeable about the signs to watch out and look for.
We will give you tips and tricks on how to prolong the lifespan of your brakes. Additionally, we will provide you with ways on how to quickly recognize when you need immediate maintenance, as well as an overview of the different types of brake-related services that Sydney car mechanics perform.
How Do Disc Brakes Work?
Before we proceed with proper brake care and maintenance, it is crucial to have a firm grasp about the different parts of your car’s braking system. You may be familiar with the visible components or parts that you encounter when driving the pedal. In essence, your vehicle’s braking system consists of various components that work together to stop your car at the right moment. Inside your braking system, you will find the pedal, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, pistons, and rotors pads, metal tubes, and flexible hoses that move the liquid around. Newer vehicles also feature sensors that warn drivers of worn-out brakes or directly work with the ABS systems.
When you step on the pedal, you should immediately feel brake engagement. As you press further down, the hydraulic fluid in the brake line gets pressurised, which in turn triggers the pistons and pushes the pads onto the rotor. By pressing the brake pedal, you are creating more pressure within the brake lines which then causes the pistons to push the pads onto the rotors more firmly. As you release the pedal, the hydraulic fluid de-pressurises resulting in pad retraction into the callipers.
Proper Disc Brake Care and Maintenance
Not all vehicle owners are comfortable performing disc brake repairs by themselves. This is where auto mechanics come in. Finding a reputable and skilled mechanic will definitely aid in the fast and efficient repair of your disc brakes. Additionally, it is not recommended to implement repairs when you have no basic automotive repair and maintenance knowledge.
Newer car models feature sensors that need to be recalibrated by a skilled mechanic to ensure they are working property after purchase. There are many ways by which you can extend the lifespan of your disc brakes and save money in the long run.
- Never Slam On the Brakes
Brakes are designed to ensure your safety while driving. It helps you avoid sudden collisions and accidents. But of course, there are instances when sudden braking is inevitable. It is best practice to brake lightly and come to a rolling stop. If you make it a habit to press on the brakes suddenly, your vehicle is more likely to suffer from disc brake warping. Additionally, sudden brakes will wear out other parts of your braking system as it compromises driving performance and overall comfort of your vehicle.
- The Importance of Brake Fluid
Your car’s brake fluid plays a crucial role in safely bringing your car to a stop. Like other fluids utilised by your car, brake fluid doesn’t last forever and needs to be replaced. The frequency varies between car manufacturers; hence it is important to refer to your manual regarding the ideal time for brake fluid replacement. Brake fluid absorbs water from the air and accumulates gunk over time. Ideally, you need to replace the brake fluid every other year to ensure optimal performance of your vehicle’s braking system.
When dealing with a vital safety component of your car such as the braking system, you may be tempted to opt for a premium brake fluid to ensure optimum performance. But according to expert auto mechanics, it is more important to keep the brake fluid clean and free from debris or water to ensure your safety on the road. Specialty brake fluids are formulated for more serious braking issues or for track driving purposes.
- Do Not Forget to Listen to your Brakes
Your brake will let you know when you need to pay your trusted auto mechanic a visit. Unusual sounds such as hissing or squealing when you press on the brake pedal is a sign that your brake is dealing with an issue. For instance, a sharp hissing sound means that you are already running low on brake fluid. It is also imperative to keep track of your braking system’s response time. Delayed response means that your braking system needs servicing as soon as possible.
When your brake gives out a squealing sound, this means that your brake pads are starting to wear out. Ideally, you need to have the brake pads replaced when they reach a minimum 3mm in thickness.
If you wish to learn more about how to care for your disc brakes or to schedule an appointment for repair or replacement, visit us at HP Automotive. As a reliable auto mechanic shop in Sydney, we are known for our professionalism, speed, efficiency, and competitive rates. For additional enquiries, you may contact our direct line on +61 2 9979 8372 today.