Brake repairs are what many people tend to think about when it comes to being safe on Australian roads, but focusing on proper brake maintenance is much more beneficial to your safety because when your brakes are properly maintained they shouldn't ever need to be repaired.

Regular brake maintenance means that you can relax knowing that your brakes will be working correctly when you need them the most: in an emergency situation! At Matlin Auto Repairs in Richmond, we will also inspect your car on our Platetronics Safe-T-Stop machine, making sure that wheels, tyres, suspension and brakes work in unison for your car to start, drive and stop as expected.

It is important to remember that unusual brake sounds are not just caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

Your brake pads are a vital element of your braking system and they are a part that you should pay attention to. Friction is caused when the brake pads compress against the brake rotors and it is this friction which makes your car stop. But this same friction also generates a lot of heat which wears down the brake pads. Worn brake pads means less effective braking ,which is hazardous to you and others on the road, so regular inspection of the condition of your brake pads is crucial.

Squealing brakes can be a sign that your brake pads are wearing down; many pads have a small metal piece embedded in them which scrapes on the disc when your brake pads are wearing out, causing that high pitch noise. However, this doesn't mean you should wait until you hear noises to get your pads checked, we recommend having your brakes inspected at every service.

At Matlin Auto Repairs we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with every car service. As part of our Vehicle Inspection Report we inspect the brake pads for wear and let you know if they require replacing. We can also advise the right pad for your driving conditions.

Brake Pads can can last anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's. This is dependent on a number of factors such as; regular heavy loads, driving style and conditions. If your brake pads are wearing out early your Matlin Auto Repairs mechanic might advise using a heat resistant or heavier duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

• Brake Pads
• Brake Drums
• Brake Calipers
• Brake Rotors
• Brake Hoses/Clips/Springs
• Wheel Cylinders
• Wheel Bearings
• Master Cylinders

Some things are best left to trained technicians and when it comes to Brake Maintenance, you should never take a risk. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as key to your safety as your braking system. If you're not sure if your brake maintenance is 100% - call a professional like Matlin Auto Repairs today.