Types of Brake Repair Services in Vancouver, WA
No matter how careful you are on the road, you can’t be a safe driver without a reliable brake system. But just like any other mechanical system, things can go wrong with your brakes before you know it. When this happens, you’ll need to get this system fixed ASAP.
One of the first things you should take care of when scheduling brake repair is finding out what your car’s brake system might need. Here, you’ll find information about the brake repair services any qualified Vancouver, WA, auto shop should offer.
What Services Do Vancouver Brake Shops Offer?
If you do your research and find a truly reputable brake shop in Vancouver, there’s a good chance that they’ll be able to handle brake services such as:
Brake Inspection
The first step in any successful brake repair or maintenance appointment is a close inspection of your vehicle’s brake system. The length of your brake inspection will vary depending on the expertise of a shop’s mechanics — but if they employ ASE-certified technicians, it should be finished before you know it.
It’s important to get brake inspections when you’ve noticed obvious red flags, but that isn’t the only time you should have this system looked at. It’s also wise to schedule an inspection every six months or 6,000 miles.
Schedule your brake repair online today!
Brake Pad Replacement
Most modern auto brake systems rely on rotors, which are small discs that you can find behind each tire. Above these components are your car’s calipers — clamps that squeeze the rotors when you hit the brakes, creating friction and stopping your vehicle.
Your calipers aren’t supposed to touch your rotors directly, though. To keep your rotors safe, your calipers should be covered by brake pads while in use. But since brake pads deal with a great deal of friction, they’ll eventually wear out.
Brake pad replacement is one of the simplest — and fastest — brake services out there. That’s doubly true when ASE-certified mechanics handle this task. In that case, you can get a new set of brake pads installed in just a few minutes.
Brake Rotor Turning
Brake pads aren’t the only brake components that need attention every so often — rotors don’t last forever, either. They can wear down with regular use, reducing your stopping power in the process, and can warp due to exposure to heat.
The good news is that you may be able to give your rotors a new lease on life by resurfacing or “turning” them. When you schedule this service, mechanics will put your rotors on a lathe and cut into their surfaces with a sharp bit. Following this, your rotors will once again have a smooth surface, making it easier for your brake pads to grab onto them.
Unfortunately, rotor turning isn’t always an option. If your rotors don’t have enough metal left for this type of resurfacing work, you’ll have to replace them.
Brake Fluid Flushes
How many oil changes have you had since you started driving in Vancouver? If you’ve been driving for long enough, it can be hard to keep track. And while motor oil gradually loses effectiveness as it becomes dirty, the same is true for other fluids in your vehicle — including the brake fluid. Brake fluid performs different functions in drum and disc brake systems, but it plays an essential role in both these brake varieties.
When it’s time for a brake fluid flush, you’ll want to visit a local Vancouver brake shop. This service uses a pressurized flushing machine hooked up to your brake fluid reservoir. With the machine in place, new fluid is pumped into your brake system until any fluid escaping from the system is completely clean.
Schedule your brake repair online today!
Brake Line Repairs
Brake fluid is an indispensable element of any modern brake system. Of course, the same goes for the part responsible for transporting that fluid from the master cylinder to the cylinders at each wheel — your brake line. If your brake line gets damaged, your vehicle’s hydraulics will either wholly or partially fail.
Most brake systems today incorporate a pair of separate circuits, reducing the risk of complete brake line failure. Of course, even partial brake line issues aren’t something Vancouver drivers can afford to ignore. If you notice any warning signs, like reduced braking power, brake fluid leaks, visible brake line damage, or an active brake warning light, schedule a service appointment for brake line repair immediately.
Though repairing or replacing a brake line typically takes longer than brake pad replacement, it shouldn’t take too long — you can safely expect this task to take anywhere from one to two hours. Depending on what your brake system needs, a technician will either remove and replace your brake line in its entirety or remove the section having trouble and replace that part of the line.
Know When You Need Brake Repair Work
While every driver should know what brake services are available to them, it’s equally important to know when your brakes need this type of work. If you’re wondering whether or not your brakes are ready for repairs or maintenance, look out for symptoms such as:
- Your car pulling to the side of the road while braking
- Squealing or grinding noises when you brake
- A burning chemical odor
- Vibrations in your steering wheel
- A spongy brake pedal
- An active brake warning light on your dashboard
Get Vancouver’s Best Brake Repairs
As you can see, there’s no denying the importance of brake repairs when it comes to keeping your vehicle up and running. However, this repair work shouldn’t be handled by just any auto shop. If you get brake repairs from unqualified mechanics, your car could end up in worse shape than it already was — and you could end up paying far more than you might expect for the privilege.
Are you wondering where you could find dependable brake repair near you? For truly high-quality brake repair services, reach out to Gaynor’s Automotive! We’re proud to employ ASE-certified mechanics, and we meet our customers where they are with our convenient locations and help people save with our online coupons.
If your brakes need attention, schedule an appointment for brake service today.
