Brake repairs are a common service provided by auto shops in Escondido. Many modern cars have brake pans installed that have sensors which provide an audible alert when they need to be replaced. Not going in and having the brake work done on your German auto can lead to extra problems and spending a whole lot more money on those extra issues.
However, there are other guidelines for when to get into a German auto repair to get those brakes checked on. We will look at that, along with the types of brake repairs available, and information that is related. At Escondido German Auto, we want to give you the knowledge and information that will ensure your automobile is in the best possible quality.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing an Auto Shop
There are a few things you should always check up on when you visit a new mechanic or auto shop. We will look at the guidelines you should stick to when considering a brake service for your German cars.
- Often the advertised prices for brake repairs have limits regarding what they cover. Speak to a mechanic or other worker there and ask for a written description of what parts and services are included in the discount price.
- While price is important, it should not be the defining factor when choosing where to procure your auto services. Look for a reputable auto shop and pay a bit more if needed. A brake job that is done badly will lead to more repairs and money spent down the road.
- If you are not sure whether the German car repair shop you are choosing is reliable, consider checking organizations like the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for complaints and resolutions to them.
- Look around the auto shop where you may be getting brake service done and see if there are any stickers or signs that indicate mechanic and shop certification. One example is the National Institute for Automobile Service Excellence, which has serious guidelines when it comes to accreditation.
- While checking out the auto shop, make a note of how organized and clean it seems. Often the more clean and organized, the more likely the shop is run well.
- When speaking with the service writer at a mechanic shop, they should be patient, friendly, and open to answering your questions. If this is not the case, it may be best to choose another German car repair shop.
- Take a look to determine if warranty, refund, and payment options are posted in the reception area or office. A reputable business will make these available for easy perusal.
- Find out what sort of technology the shop has available. High-tech, modern equipment is a good sign. You might want to ask if the shop has a brake lathe. This is used for some brake repairs and can keep prices down.
It is also an excellent idea to choose a brake repair shop that specializes in cars of your own vehicle’s make and model. So, if you drive a German car, you may want to find an Escondido mechanic who primarily works on German autos. Another good tip is to ask for customer referrals if you have the time to contact these people.
Different Types of Brakes
Each vehicle has two brakes in the front and two in the back. However, there are two separate kinds of brakes. Cars built before 1970 often use drum brakes on both the back and front. Those after this time will often have disc brakes in both places, or drum brakes in the back and disc brakes in front. Both of these brake systems will use a hydraulic braking system with a brake shoe or pad to create the friction needed to stop a German vehicle when the driver presses on the brake pedal. But what is the difference between these two brake types?
- Drum brakes are found within the wheel cylinder and use brake shoes that press out against the drum when the brake pedal is pressed. They also have springs that retract the shoes, helping with fuel economy and creating less drag.
- Disk brakes use brake pads, brake rotors, and calipers. Each of the brakes has a pad on both sides. This pushes against the rotor when the brake pedal is pressed. These offer the highest caliber stopping power and are often used in high-performance vehicles.
Choices of Brake Pads
Three types of replacement brake pads can be utilized by your Escondido mechanic when repairing the brake system of your automobile. Brake pads work by creating a connection between the drivetrain and the brake system. They work by using hydraulic force starting at the brake pedal that travels to the brake pads and then creates friction between the pads and rotor. Each type of brake pad has its own characteristics and is useful for certain German vehicles. We will look at each option now.
- Semi-metallic pads – these pads consist of anywhere from 30 to 65{4f20ce25cc5751f1e69eb424410a8218ce1885bb179a0f57dc3ec25d8c6b2d74} metal compounds comprised of things like copper, wire, steel wool, or other metals. They are very durable choices, but they can lead to premature wear on the brake rotors due to the extreme strength. These pads do not work well in cold climates with low temperatures. These pads are most often used in lightweight, small cars with unaggressive drivers. These are also perfect for use in fuel economy cars used to commute to and from work each day.
- Non-metallic pads – these are also called organic pads and are created from materials like rubber or glass along with a resin for binding purposes. These pads are lightweight and do not produce a significant amount of noise when pressing against the drum or rotor. Like the semi-metallic pads, these are best used in small cars of a lightweight that are not driven aggressively. The main drawback of these pads is that they are softer and wear down quicker because of it.
- Ceramic pads – this is the final type of pad, and it also is the most expensive option. These pads are most often found on performance vehicles that require tight turns, high speed, and quick stops. Ceramic pads have the premier stopping ability of the three types and prevent excessive wear on the rotors, so they last a long time.
Brake pads should be chosen based on the type, weight, and way a vehicle is driven. Those who have a compact car can use a ceramic pad without any issues, but trading down is less viable. A heavy truck or SUV should not use semi-metallic pads as they will not stop the vehicle quickly enough. Safety is the most important aspect when considering a brake pad type, and overshooting the minimum is much better than the opposite.
Types of Brake Repairs
While many people think of the brake pedal when they hear “brakes”, there is more to a brake system than that. There are many interlocking pieces and smaller components that work together to ensure your German car stops as it should. We will look at some of the most frequent repairs and what they consist of.
- Shoe replacement – this is a ubiquitous and basic car maintenance task. Pad replacement is often recommended at about every 20,000 miles to be safe. However, some pads can wear out at 10,000 miles, and others might last up to 50,000. Often, your car will come with a wear indicator that sticks out from the brake pad assembly. When you are doing other routine maintenance, like changing your oil, you can take a look and see if the pads are nearing replacement time. If you find your brakes are sticking or making squealing noises, this is another indication that you should stop by your local Escondido auto repair shop.
- Line replacement – unlike shoe replacement, line replacement is often an emergency repair rather than a routine replacement. What brake lines do is carry the fluid from your master cylinder and throughout the brake system. This fluid plays a part in keeping things lubricated and working well. Even a tiny hole can compromise this can allow dirt or debris in. This dirt can cause major issues and should be rectified as soon as possible. Sometimes the line can be patched, while other times it will require replacement. If you know your line is out, call a tow truck as your German auto will be hard to stop.
- Master cylinder replacement – it is rare that these need to be replaced, but it can happen. A master cylinder works at regulating the pressure of the fluid in the brake system. It consists of many valves and pistons along with a reservoir for the brake fluid. In most cases, a car is built with a master cylinder that will last for the entire life of the vehicle. However, things can go wrong when dirt gets in the system or plastics wear out. When this happens, it is often best to replace the entire thing rather than determining the exact part that has failed.
- Bleeding the brake lines – Bleeding the brakes refers to the process a mechanic takes of draining out all of the current brake fluid to refill with clean, new brake fluid. This is typically indicated when the lines have air bubbles or dirt has been introduced into the system. Brake lines are also usually bled after other repairs to ensure everything is working well. You may diagnose the need for this repair if you feel the brake pedal is soft and it requires more effort than usual to bring the car to a standstill.
- Sticking calipers – the caliper and its brackets are what hold the brake pads and push them against the rotor to stop the vehicle promptly. The caliper pistons can become stuck, which often results in a vehicle that pulls to one side when the brakes are used. It can also lead to overheated pads and rotors that wear down too quickly. This problem can be dangerous and should be repaired immediately by a reputable mechanic in Escondido.
- Warped Rotors – rotors may become warped when exposed to substantial amounts of stress, such as towing or mountain driving. However, even something like parking next to a sprinkler can lead to this issue as the cold water hitting the hot brakes can result in warping. This issue may cause the steering wheel or vehicle to shake when using the breaks. In addition, it may increase the distance required to stop or push the antilock brakes to engage early.
- Part Replacement – there are tons of parts within the brake system, and it is common for one of them to break or need replacement at some point. This can encompass so many things that it is virtually impossible to list them all. That said, any of these pieces can wreak havoc on your car, and each is a complex unit. The actual repair needed will depend on what part is causing the issue.
As you can see, many different brake problems can come up in the life cycle of a vehicle. However, an experienced German auto shop will have mechanics who can take care of these repairs. If you are experiencing a problem with your brakes and aren’t sure what is wrong, it is best to have someone take a look at it to determine if the problem is dangerous.
Visit Our Escondido Auto Shop for Brake Repairs
Here at Escondido German Auto, we take the safety of our customers into consideration in all things we do. We offer many different types of brake jobs and only employ experienced mechanics who are excellent at what they do. If you are looking for a mechanic in Escondido, contact us at 760-291-8520 or using our online form. We would be happy to have a conversation and take a look at your car to determine if there are any problems.
Sources:
https://www.lesschwab.com/learn/article/determining-when-and-where-to-get-brakes-serviced
http://www.kudzu.com/article/Brake-Repair-101-id1082
http://www.brakeworks.com/tech_talk/5_common_types_of_brake_repairs_your_vehicle_may_need/
http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/repair/brakes/types/