All Around Auto Repair
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You may not spend a lot of time thinking about your brakes – and that’s certainly not what keeps most people up at night! – but your brakes do need to be inspected by a reputable autoshop every once in a while.

Signs You Need a Nearby Autoshop 

How often do you need to repair your brake pads? The auto experts recommend replacing your brake pads every 50,000 miles, but some vehicle owners under rough driving conditions might need new brake pads every 25,000 miles.

If you’re unsure whether you need new brake pads, then definitely don’t ignore these tell-tale symptoms: a vibrating brake pedal, a grinding noise when you attempt to engage the brake, the brake indicator light on your dash turns on.

While brake pads are critical to your vehicle stopping in time because they provide the actual friction to make it happen, your braking system contains a master cylinder, brake fluid, and brake calipers. There are a lot of moving parts!

Bleeding the Brake Lines

There’s something strange about the term “bleeding” to describe a car, but in this sense autoshop technicians are basically only removing air bubbles from the hoses and pipes that comprise your brake lines. The word “bleeding,” as used by auto mechanics at an auto center basically just means removing these air bubbles.

The goal in reducing these air bubbles in the braking system is to increase the hydraulic pressure and boost the braking performance of your vehicle, especially the master cylinder (more below). Technically, your brake fluid is a incompressible liquid that doesn’t play nice with a compressible gas like air bubbles, so removing air bubbles is the best thing to do.

Come in to an autoshop like All Around Auto Repair to get your brakes lines bled. What will happen is that your vehicle will have the brake fluid drained from it and fresh fluid will take its place. Air bubbles and dirt will also be removed from the braking system. Slow or noisy braking might be a sign that you’re dealing with air bubbles and need to take your vehicle in to an auto center right away.

Brake Pad Replacement

Your vehicle’s brake pad lining is made from a material that’s designed to increase friction whenever you depress your brake pedal. When things don’t work properly, you’ll notice a really annoying high-pitched squealing noise and less ability to brake in time. Yikes!

Replacing your brake pads is something that you should definitely let an auto center handle because it involves removing your lug nuts, wheels, and caliper fasteners.

The mechanics at All Around Auto Repair can do all of that before checking out your vehicle’s brake fluid level and do things like apply caliper grease and check the rotor. Your braking system has a lot of moving parts that are best handled by a professional.

Master Cylinder Overhaul at All Around Auto Repair

If you’re reading this thinking something like, “master cylinder…is that something else I might need to replace?” The good news is that the answer should be “no” since the master cylinder in your braking system is usually designed to last through your vehicle’s entire lifetime.

Your master cylinder converts the force from your foot depressing the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure. Your vehicle’s master cylinder contains many valves and pistons that, in turn, transfer movement with the help of hydraulic fluid to the so-called slave cylinders.

Although your master cylinder shouldn’t have to be replaced outright, grime that gets into the system can harm the performance of the master cylinder’s pistons. Plastic pieces can also wear out and sink performance – more reason to take your vehicle in to All Around Auto Repair for a brake inspection.

The ASA-certified mechanics at All Around Auto Repair have inspected and repaired thousands of braking systems on hundreds of different vehicles. Hit the brakes and schedule an appointment today at a full-service auto center!

The Role of Brake Fluid Maintenance in System Longevity

The Importance of Regular Brake Fluid Checks

Brake fluid is the lifeline of your vehicle’s braking system, yet it often goes unnoticed during routine maintenance. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, which can lower its boiling point and reduce braking efficiency. Regularly checking and replacing brake fluid can prevent these issues, helping maintain optimal braking performance. A brake fluid check every two years is a good rule of thumb, though drivers in high-humidity areas may need more frequent checks to combat fluid degradation.

Brake System Sensors: A New Layer of Safety Modern vehicles are equipped with brake sensors that monitor various aspects of the braking system, including pad thickness and hydraulic pressure. These sensors provide early warnings, allowing you to address potential brake issues before they become serious. If your dashboard shows any brake warning lights, it’s a sign to visit a trusted auto repair shop for diagnostics. These advanced sensors can detect changes in your brake system’s performance, making it easier to ensure safe braking.

Understanding Brake Rotor Maintenance While brake pads are commonly replaced, rotors also play a crucial role in stopping power. Rotors can warp or develop grooves over time, especially if you drive in challenging conditions or frequently brake hard. Having your rotors checked when replacing brake pads can ensure that both components work together effectively, extending the life of your braking system. Quality auto centers will measure rotor thickness and inspect for damage, recommending replacement or resurfacing when necessary.

Taking these additional steps can help you keep your braking system in top shape and avoid costly repairs down the line.

The Impact of Driving Habits on Brake Longevity

Your driving style plays a massive role in how long your brake components last. Aggressive braking, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and high-speed braking can cause brake pads and rotors to wear out much faster. On the other hand, smooth, gradual braking can help extend their lifespan. One way to reduce wear is by engine braking—downshifting to slow down instead of relying solely on your brakes. If you drive in hilly areas or heavy traffic daily, it’s worth having your brakes inspected more frequently to avoid premature failure.

The Hidden Dangers of Contaminated Brake Fluid

Most people don’t realize that brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This water contamination can lead to corrosion within your braking system, causing rust in brake lines and reducing hydraulic efficiency. A study by AAA found that vehicles with neglected brake fluid are 30% more likely to experience brake failure. To prevent this, auto experts recommend a brake fluid flush every 30,000 miles or every two years, depending on driving conditions. Regular maintenance can save you from costly repairs and potential safety hazards.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD): The Future of Braking

Modern vehicles are equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), an advanced system that automatically adjusts braking power between the front and rear wheels. This technology enhances stability, especially during sudden stops or when driving on slippery roads. EBD works alongside Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) to optimize braking efficiency, preventing skidding and improving control. If your vehicle has EBD, make sure to have it checked during routine brake inspections, as sensor malfunctions can lead to uneven braking performance.