Brakes aren't something you want to leave to chance, and in the Kitchener area, you don't have to. Have the automotive experts at Hansma regularly check and maintain your brakes so that you can have peace of mind knowing that they will always be in prime working condition, especially in an emergency situation. Brake failure is one of the leading causes of accidents in Canada, but it doesn't have to happen to you! In this post, we will discuss proper brake care. Hansma Automotive is able to provide full brake maintenance, as well as other vehicle maintenance solutions.
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"I have been using Hansma Automotive Service Inc. for over 5 years now and I find them to be professional in every respect. Their technicians quickly identify the issues and formulate a prioritized repair schedule. You can see that Peter has instilled his core values of honesty, integrity, and thoroughness in his team while also staying competitive. Keep up the good work." - Garry
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How Often Should My Brakes Be Checked?
You should get your brakes checked at regular intervals in order to ensure that they are functioning correctly. A general rule is to have them checked every 50,000 km or every year, whichever comes first. However, you need to keep in mind that the type of driving you do will affect the wear and tear on your brakes. For example, if you do a lot of urban driving involving constant stopping and starting, your brakes will wear out faster than if you are doing primarily non-stop highway driving. The best time of the year to get your brakes checked is in the fall before the onset of winter. Winter can be especially hazardous in Southern Ontario, due to the freezing rain, slush, and snow, so you want to make sure your brakes are in good working order.
How Long Will It Take and How Much Will It Cost?
Getting your brakes checked doesn't take very long. If they require maintenance, it can usually be done in a few hours or less depending on the type of vehicle and the amount of work being done. Having the brake pads replaced can be done very quickly, but if the rotors need turning or replacing then it will take longer. The cost will vary as well. Replacing the brake pads can cost up to a couple hundred dollars whereas a complete brake system repair will cost significantly more.
What are Signs That My Brakes are Wearing Out?
The following is a list of signs that your brakes may be wearing out.
1. Soft Brake Pedal - When you press the brake pedal it seems softer than usual and you have to apply a lot of pressure in order to stop. This may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, either of air in the braking hose or a braking fluid leak.
2. Squealing Sound - There is a high pitch squealing sound when you apply pressure on the brakes. However, if you car has been sitting for a while and has been exposed to water, you may hear this sound. This doesn't necessarily mean that the brakes need replacing, though if the sound persists then you should have them checked by a professional.
3. Pulling to One Side - If your car pulls to one side while braking, this could mean that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or there may be an impurity in the braking fluid. You may need to have your braking fluid replaced, or you may require a brake adjustment.
4. Grinding Sound - If you hear a loud metallic grinding sound, this may mean that your brake pads are totally worn down and the metal from the caliper is rubbing on the metal of the disc. This can scratch your rotors and they may need to be turned or replaced.
5. Vibration - If you feel vibrations or pulsing when you push the brake pedal, this may be a sign that your rotor is warped or that your vehicle is out of alignment. Have it checked out in order to know which.
Can I Fix My Brakes Myself?
Repairing or replacing your brakes is a complicated process which needs to be done correctly, or you risk facing costly and perhaps even deadly repercussions. Having said that, if you feel up to the task, it is possible to change brake pads yourself. Click here for a good guide on how to do so or watch the video above.
If you don't want to take a chance on changing your brakes yourself, take your vehicle to the professionals at Hansma Automotive. The experts at Hansma Automotive have been servicing vehicles in the Kitchener region since 1987. They have the know-how and experience to safely maintain and service all of your automotive needs, including your brakes.
Sources:
Brake Repairs and Maintenance
Brake Repair
5 Signs That You Need Your Brakes Checked
When Do You Need To Replace Your Brakes
Warning Signs You Need New Brakes
Drum Brake Photo- By Wapcaplet [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons