Don’t get caught out with unreliable brakes, putting you and your family at risk!

Safety is extremely important to us at Intune Automotive Centre.

When we service your vehicle, as part of our service we will inspect your brakes and let you know if there are any issues that need immediate attention or may need attention within the next 10,000kms (meaning it won’t last until your next service).

Regular servicing of your vehicle can stop costly repairs to your braking system.

What to look out for

• Do your brakes squeal or grind when you apply the brakes?
• Does your steering wheel shake when you put your foot on the brakes?
• Has it been over 10,000kms or a year since you last had your vehicle looked at?
• Are your brakes not as responsive as they used to be?

If you’re answering yes to any of the above, you may be having issues with your brakes!

Your brakes are made up of many components. Two areas we commonly see issues are:

Brake Pads and Rotors (could also be called discs, shoes or drums)

• When you put your foot on your brake pedal, your brake pads press against your brake rotors creating friction and stop your vehicle. If your brake pads are getting low you may hear them squeal when you brake.
• It is important to get your vehicle serviced regularly and your brakes checked at these services as replacing your brake pads before they are completely worn out will increase the life of your rotors, which are a much more expensive part to replace.
• If your brake pads are left too long, they will wear down to metal and wear away at your rotors as well, meaning both will need to be replaced.

Brake Fluid

• Your vehicle also has brake fluid which amplifies your foot’s performance when you put your foot on the brake pedal increasing your brake performance due to the build up of pressure.
• The harder you press your foot on the brake pedal, the more fluid is put through the brake lines, increasing the force at which you stop.
• Over time, brake fluid can become bad or low and need to be replaced. It can become contaminated with water or other fluids absorbed through the air or get low from corroding brake lines.
• When we service your vehicle, we check your brake fluid to check if it is of satisfactory standard or not.
• If your brake fluid condition is unsatisfactory or low we will discuss flushing your system and replacing your brake fluid.
• Brake fluid that is too low or too contaminated can cause your brakes to lose responsiveness, or could even cause them to not work at all!

Other components of your braking system are; your brake master cylinder, brake callipers, brake lines, brake pedal, wheel cylinders, brake booster, wheel speed sensors (ABS).

If you are experiencing strange noises or issues with your brakes, contact us today!

You can book online by clicking the link, call us on 03 5871 1877, or drop in and see us at 99 Broadway Street, Cobram.