Reliable stopping power is essential for your safety, safety of your passengers and of other motorists and pedestrians as well. That’s why at Pat’s Garage in San Francisco we recommend yearly brake inspection. The brake system encompasses many moving pars, and hydraulic system – brake pads, brake calipers, brake fluid lines, brake fluid itself, master brake cylinder, rotors – any one of them may need service or repair. Deferring maintenance may result in unnecessarily costly repairs, and less effective braking.
Various parts of the braking system wear out/need replacement at different time intervals, that why we recommend yearly brake inspection. Naturally, if you notice any troubling symptoms, call our San Francisco auto repair shop right away. As for regular brake inspections, we can combine them with oil changes to save you those extra trips to the shop.
How Often Should I Replace Brake System Parts?
Most brake pads can last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles depending on driving style, with city driving typically wearing them out faster. Driving in San Francisco, with its traffic, hills, and plenty of moisture in the air is particularly hard on brakes.
Brake fluid should be tested, and likely replaced, every two years or so. Brake fluid attracts moisture from the air, and as the water content increases, brake fluid becomes less effective.
Rotors my need to be replaced at the same time as brake pads – in the olden days we were able to smooth out hot spots, or warping of rotors due to high braking temperatures. But modern rotors tend to be much lighter – they are made of thinner metal, so “turning the rotors” is not recommended.
Other parts of the braking system – brake lines, calipers, master brake cylinder have fairly long lifespans, but they should be regularly inspected because they can fail ahead of schedule.
Pat’s Garage in San Francisco offers comprehensive brake services and repairs, so if your vehicle needs brake service, or if there is anything about the brakes that causes you concern – vehicle pulling to one side while braking, steering wheel shaking while braking, increased stopping distance, squealing sound when braking, or soft, spongy feel to the braking pedal - call our San Francisco auto care shop right away to schedule brake inspection and repairs. All work we perform is backed by a 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.