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.

Saunders Automotive are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty.

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.

Brake fluid is what provides the pressure needed by the brake pads to create the friction needed stop your car. It also helps increase the projected lifespan of your various brake components by helping to protect against corrosion. Most drivers understand the need 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?

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.

Saunders Automotive are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty;

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.

Brake repairs assists you being safe on the roads, but Saunders Automotive advise that regular brake maintenance is much more important to your safety overall.

Brake Fluid Flush in Benalla

When you’re driving around Benalla or heading out on a longer trip through regional Victoria, your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems work constantly to keep you safe, comfortable, and in control. While many drivers focus on engine servicing, suspension and steering components quietly absorb bumps, keep tyres planted on the road, and ensure your car responds accurately when you turn the wheel.

At Saunders Automotive, the team regularly inspects and services these systems to help drivers in Benalla maintain predictable handling, reduce tyre wear, and avoid costly repairs.

Your vehicle’s suspension system is designed to keep the tyres in firm contact with the road while absorbing bumps and vibrations. It includes components such as:

What Do Suspension and Steering Systems Actually Do?

The steering system, on the other hand, allows you to control the direction of the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle, it may include:

Power steering pump or electric steering motor

Both systems work together. If one part starts to wear or fail, it can affect how your car drives, how evenly your tyres wear, and how safe the vehicle feels on the road.

Because these systems gradually wear over time, issues can sometimes develop without obvious warning. However, there are a few signs drivers in Benalla should watch for:

Common Signs of Suspension or Steering Problems

Vehicle pulling to one side when driving or braking

Excessive bouncing after hitting a pothole or speed bump

Steering wheel vibration at certain speeds

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have the vehicle inspected sooner rather than later. Early detection can prevent further wear on tyres and other suspension components.

Suspension and steering components rarely wear in isolation. A worn shock absorber, for example, can cause tyres to bounce and lose grip, which leads to premature tyre wear. Similarly, worn ball joints or bushes can place additional stress on the steering system.

Other components that may be affected include:

How Worn Suspension Can Affect Other Parts of Your Car

Regular inspections at Saunders Automotive in Benalla help identify these issues before they begin to affect multiple systems.

Servicing suspension and steering components isn’t just about comfort — it plays a key role in vehicle safety.

Benefits of regular inspection and maintenance include:

Even if your car feels normal, many suspension components gradually wear over 80,000–120,000 km, so periodic checks are recommended.

Vehicles operating around Benalla often experience a mix of regional highways, country roads, and occasional rough surfaces. Potholes, gravel roads and uneven bitumen can all place extra stress on suspension components.

Temperature changes across Victoria can also affect rubber bushes and seals, causing them to harden or crack over time. Regular inspections help ensure these components remain in good condition despite local driving conditions.

Driving Conditions Around Benalla and Their Impact

A few simple habits can help extend the life of your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems:

Slow down when approaching potholes or speed bumps

Have wheel alignments checked when replacing tyres

Avoid consistently overloading your vehicle

Schedule periodic suspension inspections during routine servicing

These small steps can reduce unnecessary wear and help your vehicle maintain predictable handling.

If your vehicle feels unstable, noisy over bumps, or simply not as smooth as it once was, it may be time for a professional inspection.

The experienced technicians at Saunders Automotive in Benalla can assess your suspension and steering systems, identify worn components, and recommend the most practical solutions to keep your car safe and comfortable to drive. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, you can rely on professional workmanship and quality parts.

Book a suspension and steering inspection with Saunders Automotive in Benalla and enjoy safer, more confident driving.

Keep Your Steering and Suspension Performing at Their Best

Learn how suspension and steering systems affect safety, tyre wear and ride comfort. Saunders Automotive in Benalla explains warning signs, maintenance tips and when to book an inspection.

Suspension & Steering Explained | Ride Control Tips for Benalla Drivers

Steering You Right: How Suspension & Steering Keep Your Car Safe and Comfortable

As your local Mechanic in Benalla since 2015, Saunders Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. Leigh has an extensive knowledge and experience from nearly 40 years in the automotive servicing industry.

Conveniently located in Benalla, Saunders Automotive specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles.

Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands, and we provide quality car service and repairs on all models including four wheel drive and Diesel vehicles.

Saunders Automotive offer their customers a drop off and pick up service to and from work/home in the Benalla area. We also offer an After Hours drop off service, please speak to the team for more info.

Breakdown Towing Service - if your car won't start or you can't bring it in, then talk the the friendly staff to arrange to have your vehicle towed to the workshop. 

Our services include: Log Book and full car servicing, Auto Electrical, Brake Servicing and repairs, Clutch Servicing and repairs, Caravans & Trailers, Diesel Servicing, EFI, Breakdown Towing, Light Trucks and Commercial, Tyre Sales ands Service, Vehicle Inspection reports and Wheel Balancing. If it's not in the list please ask one of our friendly staff and let us know what mechanical help you need.

Introducing our DPF EGR EFI Intake Manifold Cleaning Services - Need DPF, EGR, EFI or Intake Manifold cleaning in Benalla? Using state-of-the-art on-car equipment, Saunders Automotive guarantee a seamless cleaning process that saves you both time and money with our advanced on-car equipment.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

So rest assured - your car is in safe hands.

For friendly car service from a trusted independent mechanic, you can rely on the team at Saunders Automotive. 

As your local Mechanic, Saunders Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and car repairs.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Benalla

Tyres are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. You can't drive without them!

Regular car servicing will keep tabs on your tyre condition and is also a good opportunity to have wheels rotated and balanced. They are relatively low cost and can greatly improve your driving experience. 

As part of our service, we offer tyre rotation, wheel balancing and inspections, as well as tyre sales, fitting, and repairs. 

New tyres, a tyre rotation and wheel balance go hand in hand to ensure good handling. Saunders Automotive are experienced at maintaining tyres and related components and can give you good advice on purchasing the correct tyres for your car.

Saunders Automotive know that tyres are an essential part of any car - every time you hit the roads, they suffer wear and tear. That's why we are committed to keeping them in the best possible condition.

Tyres Sales & Service in Benalla

Saunders Automotive is your local car service mechanic in Benalla. 

As a family owned and operated business, we take great pride in offering our customers the very best in automotive care and we are committed to providing personalised and friendly service at all times. 

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we participate in the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. We have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. 

For reliable car maintenance, service & repairs in Benalla and the surrounding areas, please use our online booking form or give us a call.

Saunders Automotive

Tyres Sales & Service

Let's get started with your booking.

Related articles

Flushing Your Brakes is Good Maintenace

Steering You Right: How Suspension & Steering Keep Your Car Safe and Comfortable

Car Service and Repair in Benalla