Blog

We say that nothing lasts forever and so everything has a particular timeline in which it works at its best. After this duration is over, replacements are inevitable but there are always some steps that can be taken to increase this time span.

San Francisco has an amazing collection of cars with each one better than the other. Advanced technology emphasizes not only speed but also better control of accelerating cars. This is where the braking systems come into play.

Fully functional brakes are crucial to the safety of passengers and before heading to a brake repair shop it’s essential to recognize signs indicating the need for brake repair.

Understanding Braking System

Every vehicle’s brakes have three major components and a problem with any one of them means a red flag:

Brake Pads:

These are the components coming directly in touch with brake rotors/discs to generate the required friction that slows down your car.  

Brake Calipers:

Think of the brake caliper as the component that presses the brake pads against the rotors, assisting them in their task. These calipers can be either single-piston or dual-piston in design.

Brake Rotors:

Brake rotors, situated within each wheel, furnish the surface on which brake pads act. When subjected to high temperature and pressure, they effectively halt or decelerate the vehicle.

Now that we have a fair idea of various brake parts, how would you know if any one of them has a problem?

Signs That Indicate a Need for Brake Repair

Unusual Sounds:

If brake application is accompanied by loud and high-pitched noise, probably your brake pads need a replacement. A brake pad thickness of less than 4mm is a good enough indicator for changing them.

Wobbling Movements:

Sometimes, when the brakes are applied, one feels jerky and wobbling movements. Consider this a sign of damaged rotors. You would also want to check if any foreign object is stuck in your vehicle’s braking system. Either one of the two is likely to cause greater damage if ignored.

Poor Brake Power:

If you feel like your brakes are too soft or too hard to apply, it is probably a good time to book an appointment with your mechanic. They will run full maintenance to check if the issue is with brake fluid or with any one of the brake parts.

Reduced Control of Vehicle:

A vehicle deviating from its line of drive-on brake applications means an issue with brake pads, calipers, or suspension. This means poor vehicle control making the safety of the passengers questionable.

Brake Fluid Leakage:

Brake fluid is crucial to the whole braking system as it is based on hydraulic pressure. A dark brown to yellowish fluid underneath your car or around your brake parts is a sound indicator of this fluid leaking.

Dashboard Light:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light is a built-in warning dashboard light in almost all modern cars. This system ensures that your vehicle stays in touch with the ground at all times ensuring better control, particularly in emergency brake situations. It works by ensuring better road grip and safety from slippage. If this light is illuminated and fails to go away after releasing the handbrake/ parking brake, you need to look for a good nearby brake repair shop.  

These are just a few examples. Anything out of the ordinary must be run through a trustworthy auto repair shop. Be it noises, movements, or unusual odors.

How often should I get my brakes checked?

Getting regular replacements of brake rotors after every 35000-45000 miles and that of brake pads after an average of about 12000 miles ensures the reliability of your car’s brakes. This is an approximate duration; however, if early signs of wear and tear are present, they should be addressed at all costs.

Similarly, the brake fluid must be replaced after every 25000 miles.

Need for Timely Brake Maintenance

• The braking system is probably the most underrated feature of a car which is mostly neglected by the driver. This is however the most crucial to one’s safety. Speeding is great but it’s the ability to slow down in time that saves lives.
• Regular brake maintenance saves the owner from unnecessary hassle both physically and financially. Individual parts last longer than if they were left uncared for. So it ensures longevity and reliability.
• Have you ever considered the value of a well-maintained asset for resale? Used car buyers seek vehicles with cared-for original parts, reflecting responsible ownership.
• Neglected brakes harm car performance, affecting other parts. Regular brake checks save money by preventing costly damage. Keep your brakes maintained for safer, cost-effective, and more efficient driving.

Why European Motor Werks’ Brake Repair Services?

Owning European cars is thrilling until service is needed, and all you find are generic auto shops. That’s where European Motor Werks steps in, enabling you to savor exotic cars fully. They specialize in tuning, repairing, and maintaining all sorts of European cars.

With over 40 years of experience, Eddie and his ASE-certified team cater to esteemed customers. For Eddie, this isn’t business but pure passion, ensuring these unique cars receive the precise care they deserve.

If you are looking for European car repair shop in San Francisco craves pampering, EMW is your haven. Book your appointment today for a decision you’ll cherish.