Brake Service | Auto Repair in Grapevine, TX

If your vehicle’s brakes have ever gone out, you know it is a terrifying experience. The brakes have to work hard, and this creates wear on the brake pads and/or shoes over time. Brakes require periodic maintenance to ensure their proper function and your safety. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended frequency of brake service. However, it is important you are aware that frequent and/or heavy brake use means your vehicle may need maintenance sooner than the recommended frequency. Stop and go traffic and frequent driving in hilly areas indicate you may need more frequent auto repair in Grapevine, TX for your car’s brakes.

COMMON BRAKE PROBLEMS

The brake pads on many cars are designed to squeal when it is time to replace them. Chatter, grinding and metal to metal sounds, also indicate the need for inspection and repair. For example, a grinding noise, may mean worn out brake pads with damage occurring to the rotors. Never ignore noise or the following signs from the brakes, schedule service with Import Car Center for auto repair in Grapevine, TX.

SOFT BRAKE PEDAL

When the brake pedal feels as though it is traveling closer to the floor than is normal when you brake, it is likely you have a brake problem. Several different problems may be behind a soft brake pedal. For example, the master cylinder may have failed, or air may be in the system, and excessive movement may be occurring between the brake pads and the rotors. Excessive movement may be caused by the pads being excessively worn, or there may be a problem with the brake caliper, for example. Don’t risk driving a vehicle with faulty brakes, schedule auto repair in Grapevine, TX with Import Car Center. Our certified mechanics will inspect the brake system, identify the cause and provide the necessary auto repair in Grapevine, TX.

BRAKE FLUID CHANGES

Brake fluid changes are recommended in your owner’s manual at specific intervals. Unless it is time, or there is a problem with the fluid, a brake fluid change is not required. Problems that may occur with the fluid include a moisture contamination, which will cause the brake fluid to appear rusty colored. When the fluid appears black or dark colored overheating may have occurred. A burnt small can also indicate overheating. Both conditions call for a brake fluid flush, along with a comprehensive inspection of the brake system and required auto repair in Grapevine, TX.

BRAKE FADE

Brake fade can occur when the brakes are used for hard and prolonged braking. As the name implies, braking power fades away. For example, brake fade may occur when traveling down a long hill, using the brakes to control the vehicle speed. Downshifting gears once the vehicle reaches the proper speed can help to reduce the build up of downhill speed, and helps to save your brakes and prevent overheating of the brakes. Disc brakes have helped to reduce the occurrence of brake fade, but may still occur in the right conditions. Tractor trailer trucks are more likely to develop the condition, due to their weight. When it occurs in a passenger vehicle, brake inspection is recommended, along with any necessary auto repair in Grapevine, TX.

In addition, prolonged hard braking can also cause glazing of the linings of shoes and/or brake pads. Glazing is the smooth, shiny appearance of the pad or brake shoes contacting surfaces. With glazing, the loss of braking power occurs, and the brakes will require auto repair in Grapevine, TX. Import Car Center specialists can provide the automotive services you require, with the reliability you can trust.

BRAKE SERVICE

Owning a car requires your taking a little time every week or two to inspect the fluid levels. Keep a check on the brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and transmission fluid. In addition, you will want to keep extra on hand for when you need it.  Check inside of your owner’s manual for the specified type of fluids you will need to keep on hand. Tire inflation and condition can also affect braking. Ensuring the proper inflation of the tires, and monitoring them for excessive wear and damage will assist your brakes in performing optimally. Our ASE certified auto technicians offer the following brake services for domestic, import and luxury cars:

• Inspection of the brake system components
• Install new brake pads, or shoes and wheel cylinders as your vehicle requires
• Bleed air from the brake system
• Re-surface rotors and drums  (changing the pads and/or brake shoes routinely typically prevents the need for resurfacing)
• Replacement of master cylinders and brake boosters
• Inspection of brake lines and replacement when necessary
• Service of anti-lock brake systems (ABS)

If your vehicle needs brake inspection, maintenance or repair, bring your vehicle in to Import Car Center for reliable auto repair in Grapevine, TX. Our ASE certified mechanics work on all types of vehicles, including foreign, domestic and luxury automobiles. We specialize in Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Volvo, and many other fine automobiles, and offer a parts department with both factory and aftermarket parts. In addition, our showroom offers custom wheels and accessories for your car or truck.

Import Car Center strives to exceed your expectations. You can rely on our mechanics to provide the highest quality of brake service, maintenance and other auto repair in Grapevine, TX. Contact a representative today to schedule reliable service for your automobile.