Good brake maintenance means not waiting until they need repairs or worse, waiting to discover they are not up to the task of stopping you safely in an emergency.

Brake repairs is generally what comes to mind when it comes to being safe on the roads, but concentrating on regular brake maintenance is much more important to your safety overall. Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs but getting them inspected on a regular basis to identify any unseen or unexpected problems which might impact your ability to brake safely and efficiently should the need arise.

Regular brake maintenance allows you to feel confident that your brakes will be in good working order when you need them most.

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.

Some things are best left to experienced mechanics and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as key to your safety as your braking system.

Your brake pads are a crucial component of your braking system and are a part that you should never neglect. Brake pads create friction by compressing against the brake rotors and use this friction to make your car stop. This means a considerable amount of heat is applied to the brake pads every time you stop. The force necessary to halt a moving vehicle is huge and gives off significant heat which wears down the brake pads over time. This is why regular inspection and/or replacement of your brake pads is an integral part of good brake maintenance practices.

Good quality brake pads often have a small metal piece embedded in them designed to purposely scratch on the disc when your brake pads are degraded, causing a high pitch noise. However, it's not advised to wait until you hear noises to get your pads assessed, we recommend having your brakes inspected at every service.

Brake Pads have a typical lifespan of between 15,000 to 70,000 km's depending on driving conditions, style of driving, carrying regular heavy loads or towing. If you find your brake pads are wearing out ahead of time your mechanic might advise using a heat resistant or heavier duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

A brake fluid flush can be performed as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we might 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 Saunders Automotive we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake system. This Vehicle Inspection report lets you know if there are any immediate or future repairs needed on your vehicle, allowing you to budget in advance. We can also advise the right type of brake pad for your environment and driving style.