Brake Service: The braking system in your car is one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. We would all agree that being able to safely stop your vehicle is crucially important. That’s why it is so important to have your brakes serviced regularly.
Bring your vehicle in for us to check your brakes right away if you observe any of the following:
- A high-pitched squeak when you hit the brakes
- A scratching or grinding noise when not braking- could be an indication of a brake issue that needs immediate attention
- Shaking or vibration while stopping
- Requiring more pressure to stop than normal
We recommend an annual brake inspection, however, you might need to come in more often if your commute requires constant starting and stopping because of traffic lights, or if you live in a hilly area. To maintain your brakes:
- Never drive with the parking brake on
- Have brake fluid examined and replaced- if you’re having to do this every couple of months, you may have a hole that needs to be repaired too.
Brake Services Provided
There is a lot more to your brake system than just brake pads and rotors. It can get a lot more complicated than that, but we’re able to work on every component. If you ever have any brake needs or concerns, bring your vehicle to Hoover Automotive. Here’s a glimpse at the brake services we offer at our shop in Hoover, AL:
Anti-Lock Brake System Diagnosis
Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) ensure that the wheels don't stop rotating during braking, which prevents the car from skidding and offers greater control. If your ABS light comes on, we will be happy to diagnose and fix the problem.
Brake Fluid Flushes
Brake fluid will absorb water from the air over time, causing the fluid to become corrosive, which can damage the system and cause decreased efficiency. It is important to perform a brake fluid flush regularly to ensure that your vehicle is using fresh fluid. Bring your vehicle to us to see if it's time for a brake fluid flush.
Brake Hoses Checks and Replacement
A brake hose carries pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A crushed hose can cause a lagged or slow brake, and a leak in the hose can cause the brake, or the entire brake system, to fail. This is not a super frequent issue and they don't need to be replaced often, but should be replaced at the first sign of cracking or wear.
Brake Pad Replacement
Brake pad problems can usually be identified by squealing brakes. It’s one of the easier things to diagnose because it’s so distinctive. However, if your brake pads deteriorate completely, there will be a grinding metal-on-metal sound when braking, meaning that you're already ruining your rotors or drums! You should contact us immediately if you have brake problems.
Caliper Replacement
Brake caliper problems can cause uneven braking which is dangerous when driving in bad weather conditions. The brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the rotor like a clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A brake caliper problem could cause uneven braking, making your car slide forward when you brake.
Rotors Resurfacing
In a disc brake system, rotors are attached to your vehicle's wheels. When the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and wheels to a stop. However, the friction causes grooves and cracks over time. Resurfacing brings the rotor back to a "like-new" condition, reducing squealing and wobbling. Our mechanics will give your rotors a thorough inspection and recommend your best course of action.
When you need brake service in Hoover, AL, bring your vehicle, foreign or domestic, to Hoover Automotive at 2040 Old Montgomery Highway. Call us at 205-509-3085.