Brake repairs are what many people think about when it comes to being safe, but focusing on brake maintenance is far more vital to your overall safety. Properly maintained brakes shouldn't need to be repaired.

Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs but having them checked on a regular basis to help avoid any unseen or unexpected problems which might impact your ability to brake safely and efficiently should the need arise.

Regular brake maintenance means that you can be confident that your brakes will be working properly when you need them most - in an emergency!

When it comes to Brake Maintenance, you should never take a risk. If you're not sure if your brake maintenance is 100% - call a professional like Autocare Mount Gambier without delay.

It is important to remember that unusual brake sounds are not only caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

Your brake pads are a key element of your braking system and a part that you your shouldn't disregard. Friction is caused when the brake pads compress against the brake rotors in order for your car to stop. So your brake pads are working really hard, really often. The amount of pressure they need to apply to pull up a moving vehicle is extreme and the friction used to do so generates a lot of heat - which wears down the brake pads.

Squealing brakes are a sure sign that your brake pads are worn thin as many pads have a small metal piece set into them that scrapes on the disc when your brake pads are getting worn, causing that high pitch noise. However, you should never wait until you hear noises to get your pads assessed, we advise having your brakes inspected at every service.

At Autocare Mount Gambier we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection with every car service. As part of our Vehicle Inspection we inspect the brake pads for wear and inform you if they call for replacing. We can also recommend the right pad for your local conditions and driving style.

Brake Pads can last anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's. This can differ according to a number of causes such as; driving style, local conditions, towing heavy loads. If your brake pads are wearing out prematurely your mechanic might advise using a special heavy duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

Brake fluid provides the pressure needed by the brake pads to stop your car. It also helps prolong the lifespan of your various brake components by helping to prevent corrosion. Most people know that it is imperative to keep the brake fluid level topped up, but did you know that you should also have the entire system flushed regularly to replace old brake fluid and prevent excessive moisture in the fluid?

Simply because it looks clean doesn't mean it's actually in good condition. Moisture accumulates in the brake fluid and it's not always noticeable in a visual inspection. Moisture in the fluid increases the chance the fluid will boil, which could result in a loss of braking pressure. A visual inspection is not sufficient to identify excess moisture in your brake fluid, only a professional boiling point test can tell you this.

A brake fluid flush can be done as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we may suggest you need one outside of a regular schedule if we feel it's necessary. We are always happy to discuss the reasons why with you.

• Brake Pads
• Brake Drums
• Brake Calipers
• Brake Rotors
• Brake Hoses/Clips/Springs
• Wheel Cylinders
• Wheel Bearings
• Master Cylinders
• Brake Flushing

At Autocare Mount Gambier we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, calipers and cylinders and more. This Vehicle Inspection Report lets you know if there is immediate or future need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to budget in advance.