Brakes & Brake Fluid

Brakes

The brakes are probably the most important component of your car. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid is forced down to the brake calipers in each wheel, causing the brake pads to “squeeze” against the brake discs. This friction ensures that you and your passengers can stop safely in case of an emergency, or just in everyday driving conditions.

How do I know if I might need to replace my brakes?

Car pulls to one side
Unusual scrapping noise
Rear wheel locks and skids
Brake pedal becomes “spongy”
Brake pedal is too hard
Car takes too long to stop
Low brake fluid level
Brake warning light illuminating on dashboard
Hand brake has reduced effectiveness and becomes difficult to hold on hills.

Should you become concerned about your vehicle brakes and braking system in anyway simply call us and we will inspect your brake system and advise you FREE OF CHARGE.

Green Auto Service Recommends:

Because of the high amount of wear and tear they undergo, both your brake pads and your brake shoes will eventually wear out and need replacing. We recommend that your braking system is routinely checked at least twice a year.

It’s a false economy to keep driving with substandard brakes as you’ll eventually do damage to other components, which could lead to costly repairs and even more importantly brake failure.

Regular brake checks are an important part of any vehicle preventative maintenance plan. Brake checks can identify a problem before it begins to impact your braking efficiency, thus providing an opportunity to restore the effectiveness of your vehicles braking system to its intended operating performance. The effects of a sudden brake failure can be devastating & disastrous; your vehicle will also fail its NCT test if the brake efficiency is below specification.

HAVE YOUR BRAKES CHECKED TODAY, SIMPLY CALL US AND WE WILL PERFORM A THOROUGH INSPECTION – FREE OF CHARGE!

Brake Fluid

Keeping your vehicles braking system in optimal condition is crucial for your safety and that of others. Brake fluid is a vital part of the brake system and ABS units.

Unfortunately brake fluid is one of the most neglected items in the car as it can only be under extreme conditions when you need it most that you notice any problems.

What does brake fluid do?

Transmits the force on the brake pedal into pressure to all parts of the braking system which will apply the brakes.
Brake fluid is designed to have a high boiling point to withstand a high temperature generated by the friction of braking.
Brake fluid prevents the system from freezing during icy conditions and extreme cold.

WATER: THE DEADLY KILLER!

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water. As it absorbs moisture over time, the boiling point gradually lowers – this reduces the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Once the water content rises above 3%, the performance of the braking system becomes compromised.
Water reduces the boiling point of the fluid, air bubbles are created and braking can become ineffective
You will only be aware of the problem after heavy braking sometimes when it is too late!!
Brake fluid contamination is now such a major concern that all manufacturers recommend that it is changed at least every two years and between 30,000kms intervals.
Water in the brake fluid will cause premature wear of the wheel cylinders and brake callipers. Failure to change your brake fluid regularly can result in costly repairs.

BRAKE FLUID DETERIORATES OVER TIME AND MUST BE CHANGED REGULARILY TO ENSURE SAFE EFFECTIVE BRAKING. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS ONE OF THE MOST OVERLOOKED VEHICLE FLUIDS.

GREEN AUTO SERVICE HAVE THE LATEST TOOLS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO CHECK AND TEST YOUR VEHICLES BRAKE FLUID CONDITION – WE CAN PROVIDE THIS SERVICE FREE OF CHARGE. IT ONLY TAKES MINUTES TO CHECK, AND THE BENEFITS COULD BE LIFE SAVING!!

CHECKING YOUR BRAKE FLUID

Check the fluid level in the reservoir
If it is below the MIN level (or if the brake warning light is on), brake fluid should be added up to the MAX level. Please note low fluid levels may mean your brakes need to be inspected.
If your brake fluid needs topping up regularly, allow us to inspect your braking system as it may have developed a leak.

Green Auto Service Recommends:

We recommend that your brake fluid is changed at least every two years or between 30,000kms intervals. Normally this would happen at the same time as your vehicles scheduled service. If however your brake fluid needs changing and a service is not due on your vehicle. Simply call us and one of our Green Auto Service advisors will book you in for a brake fluid change.