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Imagine approaching a traffic light, and when you hit the brakes, nothing happens. That’s been the unfortunate case of some drivers who failed to maintain their brake system. Your braking system is a vital component of your vehicle that is necessary to bring your vehicle to a stop. However, your braking system needs proper maintenance and care to function properly.
At our auto shop in Gilroy, CA, we’ve gone the extra step to provide nothing but excellence to you and your vehicle. Our brake shop in Gilroy features a team of ASE-certified mechanics who use high-quality replacement parts and fluids to ensure that you're always in the best hands.
Our team is trained to provide five-star customer service so that every interaction with us is a positive one. We also offer outstanding auto service coupons that help you save money while enjoying trusted workmanship and quality replacement parts. Schedule an appointment today at Bruce's Tire & Auto, and trust your vehicle in the hands of the certified experts.
Your brake system is composed of several key components:
Each of these components works together to bring your vehicle to a stop when you depress your brake pedal. When your foot hits the brakes, your master cylinder sends pressurized brake fluid through your brake lines and into your brake calipers. These calipers contain pistons that compress and cause your brake pads, which are composed of a high-friction material, to squeeze down onto your brake rotors. The harder you step on your brake pedal, the harder your brake pads clamp down onto your rotors, which is what causes you to stop more quickly.
Over time, your brake pads, your rotors, and even your brake fluid will need to be replaced. Neglecting these vital components can significantly affect your vehicle's stopping power and become a safety issue.
We recommend that you consult your owner's manual to determine the exact intervals for a brake fluid flush. On average, you can expect your brake pads to last between 15,000 and 60,000 miles. Your brake rotors wear at a different rate than your brake pads and will usually last longer. On average, you'll notice your brake rotors lasting between 50,000 and 80,000 miles.
The exact time and mileage at which your brakes will need to be replaced depend on a few factors:
Your driving habits play a significant role in the wear rate of your brake pads and rotors. For example, if you drive extensively in the city, where you have to rely heavily on your brakes to stop at various traffic lights and stop signs, you'll notice that your brake pads and brake rotors will need to be changed out more frequently.
Divers who ride their brakes, or, in other words, don’t spend enough time coasting before applying the brakes, will notice that they will need to visit a brake shop more frequently.
In contrast, drivers who commute extensively on the highway may notice that they may need brake replacement services less frequently. In addition, hybrid and electric vehicles experience low brake wear because they use a different type of braking system. These vehicles often use regenerative braking, which captures kinetic energy to help recharge the battery. In these types of brake setups, the brake pads are used as a secondary form of stopping.
Your vehicle may be showing you signs that you need to visit our brake shop for maintenance service. However, some drivers may not be aware that their vehicle needs maintenance if they do not have a warning light on their instrument cluster.
Here are a few common signs that could mean that your vehicle is telling you that it's time to schedule an appointment at our brake shop:
At Bruce’s Tire & Auto, handling all your vehicles' automotive needs is easy. Whether your car, truck, or SUV needs routine maintenance, like brake pad replacement, or you require brake repair services, we encourage you to trust our brake shop in Gilroy for all of your vehicle's needs.
Schedule an appointment at Bruce’s Tire & Auto, and trust your vehicle in the hands of the experts.
Schedule A Brake Repair Service
How can you tell you need new brakes?
Your vehicle has a few unique ways of telling you when it's time for new brakes. However, to some drivers, these symptoms may not be so clear. Here are a few telltale signs that it's time for new brakes:
What happens if you don't replace brake pads?
Continuing to drive with worn brake pads can cause your calipers to make contact with your brake rotors. If left unchecked, this can cause your brake rotors to wear unevenly and become damaged.
Additionally, not replacing your brake pads can cause further damage to your brake system, including damage to your brake rotors. Performing brake repair services on a vehicle is almost always more expensive than performing routine maintenance. This is why we encourage drivers to stay on top of their brake services to avoid needing a costly brake repair.
There's also the subject of safety. Stopping is not just a convenience but a necessary aspect of safely operating your vehicle. Driving a vehicle with brake pads that are at or past their minimum thickness can cause a serious safety hazard and lead to a collision if left unchecked.
If you find that you need brake repair in Gilroy, schedule an appointment at Bruce’s Tire & Auto for trusted service.
How often should brakes be serviced?
The frequency that your brakes will need to be serviced largely depends on your driving habits. Additionally, there are other components of your brake system besides your brake pads that will need servicing throughout your vehicle's lifetime:
How do I know if my brake fluid is low? Your brake fluid is a vital component in the smooth operation of your brake system. If your brake fluid is low, you may notice a service light illuminated on your vehicle's dashboard. This light may indicate to service your ABS or a different brake warning light may remain lit, indicating other brake service is necessary.
Behind the wheel, you may notice that your brake pedal feels spongy or exceptionally soft. You may even notice that it is more difficult to press or that your vehicle is more reluctant to stop.
Another way to tell if your brake fluid is low is to simply raise the hood and check. Under the hood of your vehicle, you'll notice a reservoir for your brake fluid. On most vehicles, this reservoir is transparent and allows you to view your brake fluid level without having to touch anything. As you inspect your brake fluid, it should be fairly translucent and filled between the maximum and minimum fill lines on the reservoir. If your brake fluid is low or exceptionally dirty, it may be time for brake repair in Gilroy.
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