Applying the brakes is something we all do when driving our vehicles, we do it so often that we get used to the way our brake pedal feels when we push down on it and how much space and time we need to make a complete stop. So, when your brake pedal doesn’t feel as responsive, or you start hearing noises you never heard before or it takes a little longer to make a full stop, you notice.
It’s normal for brakes to experience wear, it is the way they are designed. Every time you push on the brake pedal your breaking system faces a small amount of wear. Eventually your brake pads and rotors will need to be replaced and your breaking system will need maintenance for safety and performance reasons.
When you bring your vehicle in to BAC Auto Centre, one of our expert technicians will complete a full breaking system inspection. Once complete we will discuss with you the condition of your braking system and let you know if we found any issues and which repairs need to be completed urgently and which can wait.
Our Brake System Services
Full Brake System Inspection
To ensure safe driving conditions, regular brake system inspections are a must. During an inspection the entire braking system is looked over, this includes, but is not limited to: the brake assemblies, whether they are disc brakes (pads and rotors) or drum brakes(brake shoes and drums), the brake pedal, brake lines and hoses, and brake fluid.
Brake Replacement
For vehicles with disc brakes, brake pad replacement is part of your routine brake system maintenance. To complete any brake pad replacement, the rotors need to be looked at and serviced as well. If necessary, we will recommend replacing your rotors. For drum break systems we will complete the same service with the brake shoes and brake drums.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) Service
Your anti-lock brake system is a key safety component of your vehicle’s braking system as it prevents your wheels from locking up and allows your wheels to maintain traction. When an ABS system stops working properly, there can be significant consequences, service may include inspecting the ABS sensors, the system computer module and a Brake Fluid exchange.
The lifespan of your brake pads or shoes can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from 30,000 to 120,000 kilometers. This variation depends on several factors, including your specific vehicle, local climate conditions, the quality of brake components, and your driving habits. In addition, brake fluid typically has a lifespan of two to five years. This unpredictability in replacement cycles underscores the importance of regular brake maintenance. To establish a suitable brake inspection schedule, it’s advisable to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to have a comprehensive brake inspection performed every year or every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers. This routine maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your braking system.
No one knows your vehicle better than you, pay close attention to any brake-related symptoms, such as squeaking, grinding, vibration, prolonged stopping distances, ABS Service or Break Service light is on or thin brake pads. Promptly resolving these problems can prevent more harm to the brake system and costly repairs.
Brake pads are metal plates that have strong cushioning and friction material adhered to them Brake rotors, are the flat, revolving discs attached to the vehicles wheels, the brake pads are installed on either side of the rotor. The brake caliper, which is effectively a clamp housing the pistons and pads, activates the brake pads, sandwiching the rotor, when you depress the brake pedal. The wheels are stopped when the pads make contact and begin to decelerate the rotating rotor using friction.
Similar to disc brakes, drum brakes work by using friction against a spinning surface to slow down and stop a vehicle. Instead of pads, drum brakes use brake shoes which press against the inside of the brake drum as opposed to clamping onto a rotor to slow and stop a vehicle.
Generally speaking, even if your car’s ABS light is on, you can still drive. This is due to the fact that your car’s brakes continue to work normally and are still capable of reducing speed. However, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected as soon as you notice your ABS service light because if your ABS is malfunctioning it can pose a safety risk. During hard braking, your vehicle’s tires may lock, which would restrict your ability to maneuver in an emergency situation.
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What our Clients Say
Would highly recommend this auto shop! He was very professional, very helpful & had great prices. Many auto shops referred me to replace a part in my car. But BAC Auto Centre helped me fix it and saved me from high bill. Will definitely come back.
Gowtham Reddy
Had an oil change done yesterday; prompt, fast, fair! What more could you ask for?
What made this a 5 star review is that John gave me great advice about an issue with my Kia Sportage. I still have to follow up with the dealer however John’s advice could well save me thousands of dollars.
Jeff Zabel
The guys at this shop are awesome to deal with! They are upfront about what’s needed, and not needed, and their pricing is very fair.
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