How Often Should I Bleed My Car Brakes?

Posted on December 9, 2019 by autorepair

Routine car maintenance is the most effective method for increased your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. Most car owners are familiar with the standard factory recommended car maintenance schedules, including fluid changes, tire rotations, inspections, tune-ups, and more. But there is a vital part of routine car maintenance that is not as familiar to most people, so it is commonly overlooked. We are talking about having your car brakes bled. Bleeding your car brakes is very important, and should be done according to your vehicle’s maintenance needs.

Continue reading to learn more about bleeding car brakes, and when you should have yours done.

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Basics of Bleeding Car Brakes

To get straight to the point, automotive service experts recommend having your car brakes bled every two to three years. You can choose to have a licensed mechanic perform the service along with your scheduled brake services, or you can try to do it yourself. But keep in mind, the latter is not recommended for those without experience. Not only can it be quite messy, it can be dangerous.

So why do you need to bleed car brakes on a routine basis like this? The answer is air. Overtime, small amounts of air begin to enter the brake lines. This changes the way your brakes perform. And if too much air gets inside the brake lines, it can lead to complete brake failure at any given time. You can tell your brake lines may have air in them if they feel spongy or squishy when you apply pressure to them.

The most common reasons why air gets inside brake lines are leaks or worn brake pads. In other cases, air can also enter brake lines during a certain types of car service, or even result from repeated slamming of the brakes. Regardless of how your brake lines acquired air, it is important to have them bled to remove the damaging air and bring your braking system back to a safe and efficient condition.

When to Replace Car Brakes

If you notice that it takes longer to come to a complete stop than it did before, or if you have to apply more pressure to the brake pedal to get the car to stop, then your vehicle needs attention. This often happens when the pads against your brakes wear thin, reducing the amount of pressure applied to the rotor. In this case, you may also hear squeaking noises caused by the rotor and bare brake pad rubbing against each other. This is a highly dangerous problem that should be repaired immediately. Brake failure can result in fatal and serious car accidents.

Another way to tell if your car brakes need repaired, replaced, or serviced is if your steering wheel is shaky. If it wobbles and vibrates back and forth while you drive, it is an indication that the rotors are damaged. These are usually changed or replaced along with the pads because they have similar life-expectancy. See our blog, “How Do I Know When My Car Needs Brake Repair?” to learn more signs of brake deterioration.

Trusted Indianapolis Car Maintenance

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional car brake service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

How Do I Know When My Car Needs Brake Repair?

Posted on October 31, 2019 by autorepair

Vehicles require routine maintenance in order for them to run efficiently, perform properly, and remain safe for drivers and passengers alike. Brakes are no different. They also require regular service to be sure they are in good-working condition. When brakes are not cared for, overtime, they will wear out. Waiting too long to service car brakes will eventually cause complications and damages to a vehicle, some of which could be irreversible. This is not only frustrating, but extremely costly, especially if your car needs a full-on brake replacement.

Continue reading to learn what signs to look for that may indicate you need brake repair, as well as, the routine services all car brakes need on a regular basis.

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Brake Service Vs. Brake Repair

Car brakes require routine services in order to keep them functional and safe. These routine services involve all areas of a braking system; including brake pads, brake fluid, rotors, calipers, and more. It is important to have a licensed and reputable auto mechanic provide professional inspections and services for your vehicle’s brakes. Brakes are delicate and highly important components on a vehicle, and no shortcuts should ever be used when dealing with brake repair.

Depending on the year, make, model, and mileage on a vehicle, brake service will be different. It is typically recommended to have factory scheduled maintenance completed on a vehicle every 5,000 miles, or every 6 months. This should be sooner for those who drive a lot, and for older cars. See our blog, “The Basics of Automotive Factory Scheduled Maintenance” to learn more about car maintenance plans.

Signs That Your Car Brakes Need Some Attention

When you hear strange noises coming from underneath your car or tires, you may be hearing a problem with your brakes. Noise is the most common sign of need brake repair. Squealing, screeching, scraping, high-pitched sounds, and other noises are sure indications that something is wrong with the brakes. These sounds usually make their debut when pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Drivers often notice these sounds when coming to a stop, or slowing down.

Another common indication of needed brake repair is when a car starts to need more time to slow down or come to a complete stop. If you notice that you have to hold the brake longer, and press it a little earlier than usual, it may be because your brake pads are worn out. Also, is the brakes are starting to get harder to press down, this is another sign that something is not right. Always refer to a licensed Indianapolis Automotive Repair technician for accurate diagnostic services and information.

Indianapolis Brake Repair Services

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for Indianapolis car brake repair and service at an affordable price. We are ASE certified car mechanics that have decades of experience servicing and repairing domestic and import vehicles. Call 317-475-1846 and request a free estimate, today.

Common Types of Car Brake Fluid

Posted on June 19, 2018 by autorepair

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Braking fluid is one of the seven essential fluids needed for all vehicles to operate smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Without brake fluid, not only do your car brakes suffer greatly, you could cause a serious accident without the ability to come to a stop. This is a very dangerous situation which is why no one should ever operate a motor vehicle without a sufficient amount of brake fluid.

There are several different brands of brake fluid on the market to choose from, but there are only three primary types of brake fluid available for cars and trucks. These are classified as either “wet boiling point” or “dry boiling point” and referred to as DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5 braking fluid.

Standard Brake Fluids

As mentioned before, the three primary brake fluids are DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5. The first two, DOT3 and DOT4, are glycol-ether-based fluids. These two glycol-based fluids absorb water, which at the same time, decreases their boiling points. DOT3 has a minimum dry boiling point of 401 Fahrenheit, and a minimum wet boiling point of 284 Fahrenheit.

DOT4 has a minimum dry boiling point of 446 Fahrenheit and a minimum wet boiling point of 311 Fahrenheit. Although they are similar in function, separate types of braking fluids should never be combined in a brake fluid reservoir. It can cause substantial corrosion to your vehicle’s braking system, as well as, let off toxic fumes that are harmful to respiratory health. Also, never allow DOT3 or DOT4 to touch or spill onto car paint. It will eat paint away quickly, leaving you with a hefty vehicle paint job bill.

DOT5 Brake Fluid

In contrast to DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids, the DOT5 brake fluids are silicone-based and DO NOT absorb water. This means the boiling point for DOT5 fluid remains steady and doesn’t change. Since it doesn’t absorb water, any water that gets inside can cause pure water pockets to form, resulting in major brake corrosion.

DOT5 is actually an older version of what’s used on the market today since it causes high compressibility. DOT5 was used in antique cars and vehicles that needed to be water-corrosion resistant, like military vehicles. Now, a newer more applicable version is available called DOT5.1 braking fluid.

Be sure to always discuss your car brake repair needs or concerns with a licensed Indianapolis automotive mechanic. They can give you professional information regarding factory scheduled maintenance for your vehicle.

Indianapolis Car Brake Repair

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The Types of Brakes in Cars and Trucks

Posted on December 7, 2017 by autorepair

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Brakes are the most important component on a vehicle and knowing all about them can prevent accidents and help you get them repaired at a reasonable cost. Knowing the different parts to a car’s braking system certainly gives you an advantage at an auto repair shop. It also can help you understand the importance of maintaining and caring for your brakes while driving. Here are some different terms regarding brakes in trucks and other vehicle that can help you learn more about braking systems and how they work.

⛮ Brake Shoes

Brake shoes and brake pads are generally the same thing. They are sheet metal linings that support and facilitate friction and manage heat caused by the friction to stop a car.

⛮ Drum Brakes

A drum brake is a rotating brake part shaped like a drum that is attached to the wheel of the vehicle. When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the master cylinder pushes brake shoes against the inner surface of the brake drum, creating friction that stops or slows the vehicle.

⛮ Clasp Brake

This type of brake creates friction by pushing the pads and shoes against the outer surface of the brake drum. This creates the friction needed to stop or slow a car.

⛮ Parking Brakes and Anti-Lock Brakes

A car or trucks’ parking brake uses cables from the rear brake to prevent a rolling while in its parked position. Anti-lock brakes are a fantastic safety feature that prevents wheel-locking when forced to make sudden stops. This reduces sliding and skidding, and promotes quicker stop times. It is usually a computerized system call ABS. It uses wheel speed sensors to monitor wheel rotation and anticipate when the ABS needs to turn on.

Car Brake Safety

Car brakes are a crucial part to auto safety. If you suspect that your brakes are not working properly or may need some maintenance, be sure to act on that immediately. You may need to have your brake pads or brake rotors replaced, or just a tire rotation. Either way, brake problems are not issues that anyone can afford to ignore. If you are experiencing braking issues, have your car or truck looked at by a professional as soon as possible.

If you plan to change or maintenance your car or truck brakes on your own, be sure to do so only if you have knowledge and formal training repair braking systems. Your car brakes are a very serious repair and a huge responsibility. One small misstep or loose screw in the repair process can be fatal. Again, it is very important to have a licensed mechanic guide you to proper brake repair and maintenance

Indianapolis Brake Repair and Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable car brake repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide domestic and foreign car repair for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis auto service, today.

How Do I Know if My Car Needs Brake Repair?

Posted on July 12, 2017 by autorepair

Car brakes are one of the single most important components on any vehicle. When car brakes start to evince signs that suggest deterioration, it is crucial to have them inspected for repair or replacement immediately. Optimal braking capability is vital in order to avoid life threatening collisions and other on or off road accidents. Continue reading to learn more about how to read the signs your car brakes are giving you, and what steps to take to attain the highest degree of brake safety.

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⚠ Squeaking and Squealing

One of the most common signs of brake wear and tear is hearing a high-pitched squeaking noise every time pressure is applied to the brakes. This squealing sound can range from mild to extremely loud, depending on the extent of damage. These sounds are blunt indications that the vehicle’s brake pads are wearing thin, or almost entirely gone. Brake pads are manufactured with a mechanism that exposes itself once the pad has worn down. The exposed piece creates the reverberation to warn drivers that their pads are dangerously low. When a driver hears this indicator, it is advised that they have the brake pads replaced within one month; otherwise, the vehicle may lose its ability to stop altogether.

⚠ Prolonged Deceleration

If a driver begins to notice that their vehicle is taking longer to come to a complete stop, then it is likely that the indicators are worn through on the brake pads. This is a dangerous situation because slow braking times can put everyone on the road at high risk for car accidents. It can be especially dangerous in bad weather, snow, and rainy seasons.

⚠ Vibrating Steering Wheel

When a steering wheel starts to shake and tremble, then the rotors may be to blame. Brake rotors are just as vital as the pads, but work in different ways. Rotors don’t have to be replaced as often as pads; instead, they only need exchanged with every second or third set of brake pads, depending on the year, make and model vehicle.

⚠ Leaky Brake Fluid

Evidence of brake fluid leakage can be a significant sign that your brakes are in bad shape and your fluid is low. When brake fluid leaks outside of a car, it is typically because the brakes are so worn, tiny holes are exposed in the lines, allowing brake liquid to pass through. Leaky brake fluid is an indication of serious brake damage. They should be inspected and repaired immediately to avoid dangerous collisions and accidents on the road. A quick trip to the mechanic and simple re-fill of brake fluid can turn a scenario like this around in no time.

Indianapolis Car Brake Repair

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for ASE certified car brake repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide comprehensive automotive service and repair for all make and model vehicles, as well as, free estimates, free advice, and auto repair coupons! Call 317-475-1846 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate, today!

August is Brake Safety Awareness Month!

Posted on August 5, 2016 by autorepair

Brake systems are one of the most important priorities in terms of driver and vehicular safety. Without properly-functioning car brakes, drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians are at risk of injury or death. For this reason, the Car Care Council has officially marked August as a month for brake safety awareness! Brake Safety Awareness month should be a time spent learning about how to improve the quality and performance of your brakes, and how to increase their longevity and durability.

Ask your trusted car mechanic for brake maintenance and safety advice. Otherwise, continue reading to learn about car brake service, repair, safety, and more!

Routine Brake Maintenance

As far as regular, recommended factory maintenance for brake systems, your trusted mechanic should have it covered. They can tell you exactly what your car needs by inspecting its condition and comparing it to your personal driving habits. You may also refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual for factory suggestions.

Regular scheduled maintenance for car brakes include:

• Brake Inspections (Lights, hoses, lines, electrical, etc.)
• Brake Cleaning
• Brake Fluid Replenishment
• Vehicle Alignment
• Tire Rotation and Balance
• Brake Pad Replacement
• Brake Rotor Replacement
• Test Drive

Signs of Brake Problems

When you drive your vehicle, it is important to always stay alert to warning signs of brake failure or problems. For instance, if you hear a metal-on-metal screeching noise every time you press on the brakes, it could mean that your brake pads are worn and need replaced. You should take care of any brake problems at the first sign of trouble. Additional warning signs include scratching or squeaking noises, squealing brakes, hard-to-press brake pedals, loose brake pedals, slow braking, steering wheel pulling to one direction, burnt rubber smell, dashboard warning light, check engine light, and more. It is strongly encouraged to take your vehicle in for a professional inspection right away if your brakes experience any changes or irregularities.

Northeast Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for brake repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE certified car mechanics with over 30 years of experience. We service and repair all make and model vehicles, and at the most competitive prices in town! As a family owned and operated auto shop, you can trust us for honest and fair prices. But we also offer automotive service coupons and discounts for additional savings! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for car brake service in
Indianapolis, IN today.