Brake Repair: Common Services Provided by Repair Shops

Throughout the life of a car, various parts of the braking system will need to be replaced. The good news is that many shops are aware of this need, and thus have appropriate brake repair packages that range from a simple checkup to see what needs to be done, to a thorough replacement of several components. Consider some of the services that your local shop may provide. 

If you do not notice any issues with your braking system yet, it is still wise to get a checkup for the car. This is especially true if it is older and has not needed brake repair yet, or if you just bought a used vehicle. Keep it in good condition by having your local shop complete an evaluation. This usually requires employees to take off all the tires and inspect the fluid, hydraulics, and the amount of friction present. The tires will then be put back on and you will get a full report of what should be improved in your braking system so you can get the necessary repairs done. 

Whether you choose to have the evaluation done, or notice a squeaking that prompts you to take the car in, you may end up needing new pads. These wear thin over time, so they typically need to be replaced no matter how often you drive, as this is just normal wear and tear. Of course, they will need to be exchanged sooner than usual if you drive a lot, especially in stop and go traffic that requires you to quickly come to a stop every few seconds. Fortunately, this service is cheap since the pads and labor both cost very little. When getting the pads replaced, you may as well have the employees see if the rotors need to be replaced soon, too. If your pads have been worn thin for a while, the rotors may also be damaged, and it is usually cheaper to get new ones at the same time to reduce labor costs. 

You may have more serious issues that require a more expensive, thorough brake repair package. For example, you might need the hydraulic parts looked at, such as the calipers and hoses. If you continue to drive without fixing issues related to the hydraulic parts, you might not be able to stop the car when you need to, causing serious accidents. Avoid such issues by having these parts checked and repaired or replaced when necessary. At the same time, you might as well have your fluid checked and exchanged if you need this service, allowing the braking system to function as well as possible. 

These are the most common types of brake repair needed, which is why many shops keep them at the top of their list of things to check when you have car problems, You may be able to save money, or at least get lots of things fixed at once, when you choose a package of services. Of course, if you only need one component fixed, most shops offer their services a la carte, too, allowing you to only spend money on what you need right now.