Archive for the ‘Brake Repair Tips’ Category
Monday, September 6th, 2010
To make sure your vehicle’s brakes are working properly, you should check your brakes every six months. We recommend using the “Sound” and “Sight” method to do the job right.
Brake Sounds
When driving your vehicle, you may hear some strange sounds coming from your vehicle’s wheels. Here’s the “Sound” diagnosis:
- Squeaking and Scratching Sounds: These sounds may be due to worn brake pads or dirt or dust on the brakes.
- Rhythmic Thumping Sounds: This sound may be due to a warped rotor.
If you hear either of these two sounds get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Holding off on brake repairs can be dangerous.
Brake Sights
If you have some automotive maintenance experience, we recommend looking at the following parts to help diagnose your brake problem. Here’s the “Sight” method:
- Brake Pads: Look for wearing and cracking. If you see wearing and cracking, the brake pads could be the problem.
- Rotors: Look for any scratches or grooves. If you see either of these, it’s time to replace your rotors.
During your six-month check, also be sure to examine your vehicle’s brake fluid. Also check your repair log to see the last time your brakes were repaired. If you do not have a repair log, we suggest you start one.
If you are keeping a log, be sure to write down your vehicle’s mileage for all repairs, especially brake repairs.
Following these steps will help let you know when it’s time for an El Paso brake check or a Las Cruces brake check. Remember, don’t sit on brake problems.
Tags: brake diagnosis, El Paso Brake Check, Las Cruces Brake Check
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Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
If you’re driving your car and you feel a pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel, you may have a warped rotor.
If you’re unfamiliar with this, a rotor is a part of your car’s disk braking system located on each end of each axle. A properly functioning rotor interacts with the brake pads to ensure your vehicle will be able to slow down and stop. Damaged rotors can cause problems stopping.
Warped rotors are a problem in some newer cars because the rotors are thin, which causes them to get warped easier.
Causes of warped rotors include common wear and tear as well as if the brakes are very hot after a long drive. Rotors also can become warped if your vehicle’s brake pads are not regularly replaced.
While it is possible to inspect your vehicle’s braking system to see if the rotors are warped, we recommend taking your vehicle to a reputable mechanic to diagnose the problem.
Depending on the severity of the problem, mechanics can repair the rotors by shaving off a small area of the rotor surface to make it smooth again. Other times, the rotor is beyond repair and must be replaced.
We recommend taking your vehicle to the mechanic if you feel a pulsation coming from the brakes. Having an Albuquerque brake check or an El Paso brake check can help diagnose this problem.
Tags: Albuquerque Brake Check, El Paso Brake Check
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Thursday, August 19th, 2010
Taking care of your vehicle increases its longevity and decreases the time and money you have to spend at the mechanics. When it comes to brake care, there are several preventative measures you can take to ensure your brakes are working and lasting longer.
- Don’t ride your brakes: Many people will hit their brakes to sightsee or for no apparent reason. Use your brakes responsibly. Also, using a lower gear when driving down hills can help save your brakes.
- Change the brake fluid: From time to time your brake fluid will need to be changed. Flushing your brake fluid prevents major problems down the road.
- Don’t carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle: If you’ve been driving around with a weight set in the trunk of your car or any other unnecessary weight, ditch it. It can cause your brakes to wear down faster.
- Buy quality brakes If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle for a while, plan on purchasing quality brake parts. The extra money you spend will be well worth it in the long run because quality brakes use better materials.
- Don’t wait too long to replace parts: If you’re hearing grinding or squealing from your brakes. Don’t wait too long to bring your vehicle to the mechanic. Waiting could cause more serious problems to your vehicle’s brake system.
While it’s good to avoid riding your brakes, remember to always drive safely. Constant gas braking could cause an accident and damage to your vehicle. Remember, safety comes before saving a few dollars.
Following these steps along with a Phoenix brake check or a Tucson brake check will keep your brakes working longer.
Tags: Phoenix Brake Check, Tucson Brake Check
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Monday, August 16th, 2010
We’ve all been there. You start hearing that scratching, squealing sound when you hit the brake pedal, which means it’s time to go and visit the mechanic.
But it’s really not that bad. Knowing what to discuss with your mechanic will make the process a lot less like going to the dentist. Follow these tips and you’ll be fine.
The first thing you are likely to discuss with your mechanic is the source of the brake problem. There are likely two types of sounds you are hearing from your brakes. The squeaking and grinding sounds most likely involve the brake pads, while a pulsating feeling while driving is likely a warped rotor.
When talking with your mechanic, ask about seeing your vehicle’s old brake pads once they are removed from your vehicle. If they are not worn, there is no need to replace them. Most reputable mechanics will show you the brake pads without asking.
Another issue likely to arise is whether or not you need lifetime brakes pads. When considering lifetime brake pads, think about how long you are planning on keeping your vehicle. If you are not planning on keeping the car long, they may not be worth it.
To avoid regular discussions with the mechanic about your vehicle’s brakes, avoid riding your brakes too hard and be sure to keep your brakes and wheels clean. These preventative measures will increase the time between a Tucson brake repair or a Las Cruces brake repair.
Tags: Las Cruces Brake Repair, Tucson brake repair
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Monday, July 26th, 2010
You’ve probably encountered the ASE logo at some point with your automobile. Look familiar? Ever wonder what it means? It stands for Automotive Service Excellence.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a non-profit organization that takes the guesswork out of selecting a reputable mechanic. ASE technicians must pass an extensive exam and fulfill a two-year work experience requirement before they can become ASE certified.
ASE Certified technicians often specialize in various areas such as brakes, air conditioning, engine repair, etc.
So why go with an ASE Certified technician?
Because an ASE technician has the proper training to ensure your vehicle gets the necessary service it needs. Also, ASE requires mechanics to undergo a re-test every five years to be re-certified to make sure they’re up to date on the latest technologies. So there’s no car or truck they can’t handle.
ASE provides some good pointers when searching for a mechanic. We ranked what we think should be at the top of the list:
- Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
- Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.
- Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
- Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
- Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
Using an ASE Certified technician ensures you won’t need Tucson brake repair or Albuquerque brake repair for a long time.
Tags: Albuquerque Brake Repair, ASE Certified technician, Automotive Service Excellence, Tucson brake repair
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Friday, July 23rd, 2010
The other day we wrote a blog about the importance of brake fluid flushes. In it, we mentioned that not having your brake fluid flushed regularly can cause major damage to your brakes and can be very expensive to repair.
Since then, we’ve received a number of questions about just how often your brake fluid needs to be flushed and how to tell when you need to do it.
At Brake Masters, we recommend that you have your brake fluid flushed every 30,000 miles or during your next Phoenix brake check or El Paso brake check.
If you’re not sure when you’re last fluid flush was, there are a few easy ways to check for yourself. Some auto parts stores will sell you test strips that will tell you how high the moisture is in your brake fluid is. If it’s too high, it’s time for a flush.
The other method, which is less precise, but also less expensive, is simply looking at the fluid. Remove the cap from your brake master cylinder and examine your vehicle’s fluid. If it’s black or very dark, it’s time for a change. If it’s clear or has a slightly yellow color, you still have time before your next fluid flush.
Tags: Brake Fluid Flush, El Paso Brake Check, Phoenix Brake Check
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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Nobody wants to pay for services that they really don’t need. Unfortunately, since some dishonest mechanics have ruined it for everyone else, many people are skeptical about having certain services done.
One of those services is the brake fluid flush. We hear from people all the time about whether the service is actually necessary or if it’s just a way for shops like ours to make more money.
The fact is that brake fluid flushes *are* important and they’ve actually become even more important in recent years.
You see, over time moisture buildup from the brake fluid causes rust and debris that can do a lot of damage to your brake system. As the braking systems within cars have grown increasingly complicated, the risk of damage has grown as well.
By doing a brake fluid flush, your mechanic is emptying out the old fluid that’s filled with damaging substances and adding fresh fluid to keep your brakes running smoothly for years to come.
It’s one of the best ways to make sure you won’t need Tucson brake repair or Albuquerque brake repair for a long time.
Tags: Albuquerque Brake Repair, Brake Fluid Flush, Tucson brake repair
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Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Just about everyone would agree that brake failure is never a good thing. It can be scary, and potentially cause major damage if the brakes fail while you’re driving.
However, a Pennsylvania car with brake problems turned out to be an unlikely hero in an attempted theft at an auto dealership last month.
The thief, who managed to get away with $450 in cash, attempted to steal a car that was in the process of being serviced for brake problems. When he went to flee the scene, the brakes failed and he crashed the car.
The thief then fled on foot, leaving the car behind. Police are still looking for the criminal but at least the owners get their car back.
It’s not often that brake failure is a good thing but in this case it seems to have worked out for the best.
For once it’s just a good thing the owner didn’t get a Phoenix brake check or Tucson brake repair at Brake Masters!
Tags: Phoenix Brake Check, Tucson brake repair
Posted in Brake Repair Tips | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
The use of the emergency brake (also called the parking brake) is a subject of much argument among drivers.
With some people claiming that it should be used all the time, some saying that it should only be used on steep hills and inclines, and some who believe it should not be used at all; it’s hard to know what to believe.
At Brake Masters we are firm believers in using it all the time. Here’s why:
The emergency brake is most useful on inclines and steep hills. Its additional stopping power ensures that your car won’t go rolling down a hill and cause a massive collision. We can’t think of a reason for not using it with such a big risk involved if you don’t.
However that doesn’t explain why we suggest using it all the time.
While it’s generally not necessary on flat surfaces, it’s still important that you use it when parking anywhere. Otherwise, debris such as dirt, dust, and salt will eventually clog the cables and cause the brake to stick.
As anyone who has accidentally driven with the parking brake on will tell you, it’s not fun. It creates a drag on the vehicle and will cause a nasty smell of burning brake material if driven for too long. You’ll need Las Cruces brake repair or Santa Fe brake repair before you know it.
By using your emergency brake regularly, you can avoid this problem and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Tags: Emergency Brake, Las Cruces Brake Repair, Santa Fe brake repair
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
There have been many improvements in the automobile since Henry Ford first introduced the world to mass produced automobiles on August 12, 1908. In terms of safety and reliability in vehicle performance, one of the most important would have to be the anti-lock brake system, or ABS. This technology has branched off into several specific enhancements like, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control systems, emergency brake assist technology, or electronic stability control, but each of these is simply a finer control of the base anti-lock braking system.
When you are having your next Albuquerque brake check you might be able to find out what kind of system your own vehicle uses and if it requires any regular maintenance to ensure it stays working properly. The actual physical components of the anti-lock braking system are pretty simple; they boil down to just pads, rotors, and calipers. However, the electronics behind and supporting these parts can be extensive.
Anti-lock braking systems work by ensuring that when you stop your vehicle in a panic situation, your wheels do not lock up. If your wheels continue to spin to some degree, it allows you more control of the vehicle. Before the advent of ABS, if you slammed on your brakes, the car would most likely skid out of control when on wet or loose surfaces. The anti-lock brake systems have not removed the possibility of brake damage, requiring Las Cruces brake repair, through improper maintenance. In the end, with or without technology, the care of your vehicle is still mostly in your hands.
Tags: Albuquerque Brake Check, Las Cruces Brake Repair
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