Express Car Care of Denver

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Mastering Brake Repair for Safer Journeys Ahead

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In the whirlwind of life’s demands, Aileen is a mom, a professional, and a woman perpetually on the move. With two kids in tow and a job that navigates her through the city’s hustle, Aileen’s vehicle isn’t just a means of transport; it’s the unsung hero of her daily adventures. 

A typical morning includes coffee in hand, a to-do list in mind, and Aileen ready to conquer the week. Yet, amidst the organized chaos, a sudden interruption: a subtle sputter and the ominous glow of a dashboard light. Panic ensues as Aileen realizes her trusted companion, her vehicle, is hinting at a potential hiccup, threatening to derail her precisely planned schedule.

If you’ve ever felt the dread of unexpected car troubles, you’re not alone. Aileen’s story resonates with countless individuals who rely on their vehicles to keep up with life’s fast pace. 

What if your brakes squeal? What if you know you need brake repair? 

What next? 

Pay attention to what’s happening with your car

The worst thing you can do is ignore your vehicle. 

Mastering Brake Repair for Safer Journeys Ahead

We get busy. We have lots of things on our minds. But cars slowly degrade until they reach a point where they need a little care. The sooner you catch it, the easier the repair, the lower the potential cost will be. 

For a mom like Aileen, that’s important. She lives on a budget – why pay more for repairs if she can maintain her car and avoid bigger problems? 

It’s also a matter of safety. She carries her kids to activities each day. She often has other kids in her car. Safety matters. 

Which is why it’s important to pay attention. 

Ever noticed a high-pitched squeal or a grinding noise when you hit the brakes? It’s like your car is trying to tell you something. Usually, these sounds are red flags indicating worn-out brake pads or, in more serious cases, damaged rotors. Don’t let these audible alarms go unnoticed – they’re your vehicle’s way of saying, “Hey, I need some attention!”

Or maybe you notice the way your brake pedal responds. If it suddenly feels spongy, requires more pressure, or, on the flip side, becomes overly sensitive, it’s time to pay attention. Changes in pedal feel might suggest issues with your brake fluid or a potential brake system malfunction. Ignoring these signs could compromise your ability to stop safely.

Imagine hitting the brakes, and there’s an unexpected shimmy or vibration steering your car. This might be an indication of warped brake rotors. While it might not feel like an urgent concern, letting this issue linger can lead to uneven brake pad wear and, ultimately, a compromised braking performance.

Simple things to do for brake repair …

Today’s cars are sophisticated vehicles. While each system is put together with dozens of parts, technology is what holds it all together. Vehicles are as much technology-driven as they are mechanically inclined. 

It’s why you should bring your vehicle to a qualified, reputable mechanic at the first sign of trouble. 

Still, there are things you can do – so you’re not running into an auto repair shop at every sound. 

Start with a visual check. Even if you know very little about car maintenance, you can notice certain problems. Is there fluid underneath your car when you drive away? Where is it located? What color is it? You can even peek through the spokes of your wheels to get a glimpse of your brake components. Does one wheel look differently than another? 

Remember those sounds we talked about? Take a moment in a quiet space to listen as you lightly tap the brakes. Squeals, squeaks, or grinding noises might signal wear and tear. If you hear something unusual, it’s worth scheduling a check-up.

Sit in your car, start the engine, and gently press the brake pedal. It should feel firm, not mushy. If it feels soft or requires excessive effort, it’s worth investigating. Also, pay attention to any vibrations or pulsations, as these could hint at rotor issues.

Your car’s brake fluid is crucial for optimal brake performance. Pop the hood, locate the brake fluid reservoir, and check the level. If it’s low, it might indicate a leak or wear in the brake system. Ensure the fluid is clear and doesn’t look murky or discolored. And if there’s a leak, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for repair. 

Believe it or not, tire rotation plays a role in brake health. Regularly rotating your tires ensures even wear on brake pads and extends their lifespan. Plus, it contributes to a smoother ride. And it gives a trusted mechanic a chance to ensure other items aren’t in disrepair. 

Ensuring your car’s safety as you go …

In the ebb and flow of city traffic, your brakes become your constant companion. Frequent stops and accelerations take a toll on brake pads. Well-maintained brakes not only ensure a smoother driving experience but also contribute to fuel efficiency by minimizing unnecessary friction.

Of course, life isn’t all about normalcy. Your brakes need to be ready for the unexpected, too. 

Imagine you’re rushing to pick up the kids from school, and a car unexpectedly swerves in front of you. Your ability to bring your vehicle to a swift and controlled stop depends on the efficiency of your brakes. Regular maintenance ensures they’re up to the task when split-second decisions are crucial.

Sometimes, you can’t see what’s in your path. Whether it’s a sudden pothole or an unexpected obstacle in the road, well-maintained brakes provide the responsiveness needed to navigate unforeseen challenges. It’s your first line of defense against the unpredictable nature of daily driving.

And it’s not just about you. Your car is more than a mode of transportation; it’s a shield for you and your loved ones. Well-maintained brakes are a fundamental component of your vehicle’s safety system. Investing time in their care is an investment in the safety of everyone on board.

So, let me ask you a question: Are you an Aileen? Do you drive all over town, rarely thinking of your car’s brakes?

Maybe it’s time for a change. Awareness is key. It sets the stage for a better driving experience overall. And ensuring your safety no matter where the road takes you. 

Can we assist you with your brake repair? 

What Happens If Your Brakes Overheat?

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Our modern society can’t survive without driving a car. Eighty-three percent of all Americans drive on a frequent basis. 

Here in Colorado, it’s more than a choice; it’s a necessity. If you want to get to work, school, and enjoy your free time a little bit more, owning a car can get you where you’re going in a fraction of the time. 

Of course, owning a car means certain responsibilities. If you own a car, you have to maintain it, so it becomes reliable whenever you need it. What Happens If Your Brakes Overheat?

Have you noticed the brakes squealing? Or maybe you notice a new smell as your brakes heat up. All of these and more may be a sign that you have a problem with your brakes. 

What happens when you brake?

Most people assume it’s the brakes that stop your car. That isn’t the case. Instead, the brakes are designed to stop the wheels from moving. It’s your wheels slowing down that stops the car. 

Modern disc brakes are a large plate-sized disc attached to each wheel. The clamping of the discs causes friction. This is what slows you down. But this friction also generates heat, and that heat has to go somewhere. Disc brakes are designed to dissipate the heat in different ways. Heat will transfer to the brake pads and the brake fluid. It may have a ventilated core with air ducts that help keep them cool.

The system is designed to work flawlessly … for a while. But like everything, sometimes things don’t happen the way they are intended. 

What happens if brakes overheat?

When you push down on the brake pedal inside your car, your vehicle’s brake pads generate friction. This friction is what slows the car down or brings it to a stop, depending on the level of force. 

This action occurs over and over again as you move through the city. But sometimes as heat builds, there’s too much of it. How do you know if your brakes are overheating?

Your brake pedal feels soft

This is where it helps to pay attention to how your car handles. When you press down on the brake pedal, does it have a “spongy” feel? Over time, water can start accumulating in your car’s brake fluid reservoir. As that heats up from use, it starts to reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. This isn’t always a sign of brakes overheating; it could be several other things. Like damage to the brake line. Or low brake fluid. No matter what the problem, if you notice this “soft” feeling when you tap the brake pedal, it’s best to come in for inspection quickly to avoid the consequences of brake failure. 

Your brake pads smoke and smell

Instead of feeling a problem, you may see or smell it instead. Do you notice smoke coming from the wheels? Or maybe you notice a smell every time you brake? This is your brake system telling you something is wrong. 

When brake pads overheat, they put off a similar scent to burning carpet. Once you smell it, you’ll recognize it every time. This is a sure sign that it’s time for a checkup. 

Your brakes are squealing

You can also hear when brakes are failing. They often make a lot of noise. When the friction from the brake action generates enough heat, the pads start to wear and smooth. As they wear down, the glaze on the pad has more difficulty creating the friction. If you’ve ever thought it sounds like metal on metal, that’s literally the case. Press down on the brake pedal, and you’ll hear it squeak and squeal. That’s a sign it’s time to head in for an inspection. 

What to do when brakes overheat

Because there are many signs of brake failure, think of it as your car’s early warning signs. It’s telling you there’s a big problem; you need to slow down and find a safe place to pull over. Only when you’re in a safe place should you let your brakes cool down and determine if they are safe to drive or you should call for a tow. 

Are there ways to avoid overheating?

While overheating often comes with age, there are other factors that can make it more of a possibility. 

The way you drive

Are you the type who pounds on the brake pedal? Do you roar up to the car in front of you and constantly ride the brakes? You’re more likely to experience overheating. By making your ride smooth and steady, you’ll use your brake pads in a more appropriate manner. You’ll give your brake pads a chance to cool in between your stops and starts. 

The way you use your car

Here in Denver, we have a relatively flat city driving experience. But that changes the moment you head up into the hills. As you drive back down from a weekend of playing, try engine braking instead of riding your brakes. Engine braking means downshifting to let the engine take over the slowing process. This means you won’t have to leave your foot on the brake pedal as you spend minutes – hours – coming down out of the mountains. 

The way you maintain your car

There are two ways to approach vehicle maintenance: routine or emergency. Either way, we’re here for you. Routine maintenance allows you to take charge of how well your car operates. We’ll check everything out on a routine basis to ensure it’s working in its best condition. Emergency maintenance means we’ll replace the brake system after you experience some type of failure. Of course, this isn’t the most desired way, as you never know when that will occur. But in the event something happens, we’re here. 

What happens if your brakes overheat? Your first course of action is to stop and get to safety. But how you proceed depends on your situation. 

We suggest bringing your car in and having a full inspection. Your braking system is one of the most important systems on your vehicle; let’s ensure it’s working safely. 

Have additional questions about your brake system, brake repair, or how well your car is operating? We’re here for you anytime; give us a call and ask. 

Auto Brake Repair

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In these days of difficult economic times, none of us want to be taken for a ride when it comes to having an auto brake repair.  The braking system in a car is a complex system that needs  proper maintenance and care throughout the lifetime of the car to keep you and your family safe.   It’s important to get the best information on auto brake repair so you don’t end up being cheated out of your hard earned money.

The best thing we can do to save us from brake repair is preventative maintenance.  Avoid “riding” your brakes.  It’s better to slow down with moderate pressure and then release the brake allowing them to cool, rather than riding the brakes and overheating them.  Also consider downshifting to save your brakes. Downshifting lets your engine do some of the braking instead of your brakes.  This should only be used when traction conditions are good.  In ice, snow, or even rain, downshifting into too low of a gear may cause you to skid.  Auto Brake Repair

Even when we are pro active and do our best to avoid a brake repair, normal daily activities cause wear and tear on our cars and can cause problems.

The most common problem with the braking system is wear.  Brakes do a lot of work and the brake pads take the brunt of the punishment.  It’s a good idea to have them checked every six months or more often  if you suspect a problem.  If there is squeaking, grinding or difficulty stopping there might be a problem.  Most brake pads have a thin metal tab which vibrates when the pads wear down to a dangerous level.  Some brake pads don’t have this tab and if they aren’t check periodically they can wear down far enough to ruin the rotors.

Another problem is warped rotors.  Rotors warp if the brake pads are bent, defective or incorrectly installed or if they are exposed to excessive heat.  A warped rotor will give a pulsing feeling when you are applying the brakes.  This pulsing can be annoying and dangerous, have  your car checked as soon as possible if this is occurring.

When you have made the decision to visit your mechanic, keep these things in mind.   Ask your mechanic to clean all the brake system components after they’ve completed your brake repair.  This ensures a dust and squeak free job.  Also ask your mechanic about using an anti-squeak compound on the back of the brake pads.  This can keep the pads from vibrating and annoying you.  And most importantly, watch out for shops that practice bait and switch.  Bait and switch is advertising a product on TV or in the paper at a low price  and then when you ask for that product or service they claim not to have it anymore but can get you something “better”.  This is how they lure you into their business so they can sell you products or services that you don’t really need.  You can keep your money and your car safe by educating yourself about auto brake repair.

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