Your car's brake system is essential for safe and efficient driving. Its quick-stopping mechanism can significantly help reduce the likelihood of an accident. Keeping your brakes well-maintained ensures they remain operational and effective.
We understand the importance of reliable brakes. Located near the Colorado Springs Airport, Airport Automotive boasts years of experience with a wide range of makes and models, including sedans, vans, pickup trucks, and vehicles designed for mountain driving.
Our team of dedicated technicians is ready to provide comprehensive brake inspections and repair services. Whether you're facing brake fluid leaks or a shaky pedal, our experts are equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art equipment to address all your brake-related concerns.
Why Are Brakes Important for Our Safety?
Regular brake maintenance is crucial for the proper functioning of cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
- Safety: Proper brake maintenance is a key element to minimize accident risks. Ineffective brakes can hinder your ability to stop the vehicle promptly, potentially leading to crashes, severe injuries, and worse.
- Performance: Worn brakes can affect your vehicle's stopping ability, especially in emergencies. Servicing your brakes improves their performance, ensuring a safer and more controlled braking system.
- Prolonging Your Brake System(s): Ignoring problems with your brakes can damage other components, leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
- Minimizing Repair Costs: Promptly addressing brake issues can save money in the long run. Regular brake servicing can help you avoid more extensive and costly repairs.
How Do I Know If My Brakes Are Worn Out?
- Unusual noises, such as squealing or grinding when braking, often indicate the need to replace worn brake pads.
- If your brake pedal feels spongy, this could indicate low brake fluid levels or malfunctioning brake calipers.
- If your vehicle veers to one side when braking, this may indicate warped brake rotors or uneven brake pad wear.
- The brake warning light can signal various issues, including low brake fluid or other problems with the braking system.
Brake Inspections
Our technicians conduct comprehensive brake inspections, thoroughly examining vital components like brake calipers, fluid levels, pads, and rotors. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to assess the health of your braking system, enabling us to identify and recommend the necessary repairs or adjustments.
Brake Calipers
Brake calipers are a crucial component of your vehicle's brake system. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder activates the pistons in the caliper, pressing the brake pads against the disc to slow down the vehicle and help it come to a stop.
Although brake caliper replacements are often infrequent, there are some signs to watch for. A stuck caliper, for instance, can cause the vehicle to drift to one side when braking, leading to uneven brake performance.
Addressing faulty brake calipers promptly is essential for safety. Issues can include longer stopping distances, veering during braking, or total control loss. Ignoring these problems can cause severe damage to the disc and other brake parts, leading to higher repair costs.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is vital for efficient braking and protecting the brake system from moisture damage. It lubricates moving parts and prevents moisture accumulation, which can lead to corrosion. Leaking brake lines or faulty seals in the master cylinder can introduce moisture into the system, compromising brake fluid quality and increasing the risk of brake failure.
Regular brake fluid maintenance is key for smooth operation, particularly under demanding conditions like heavy loads or extreme weather. As brake fluid ages, it loses lubrication effectiveness, potentially affecting brake system performance and reliability.
Considering the average U.S. driver travels 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year and uses their brakes around 75,000 times, routine brake fluid inspections are essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your vehicle's braking system.
Brake Pad Replacement
Brake pads are a critical component of your car's braking system. Due to wear and tear, they can gradually lose their effectiveness and negatively impact braking performance. Our advice is to replace brake pads when their thickness reduces to below a quarter of an inch, or if a high-pitched sound from the wear indicator is noticed.
Neglecting or ignoring thin brake pads can significantly increase your vehicle's stopping distance, potentially leading to accidents and jeopardizing not only your safety but also that of others. Timely maintenance can also prevent costly damage to your rotors and other brake system components.
Brake Rotors
Though often overlooked, brake rotors are vital for stopping your vehicle safely. They work by allowing the brake pads to grip onto them, halting wheel rotation when you press the brake pedal.
At Airport Automotive, our skilled technicians thoroughly inspect the thickness of your rotors during brake servicing. Thinner rotors may not provide sufficient metal for safe braking. Additionally, deteriorated discs might struggle to dissipate heat effectively, increasing the risk of cracking or failure. Damaged rotors can also accelerate brake pad wear, resulting in more frequent replacements and higher repair costs.
Drum Brakes
Drum brakes function by applying brake shoes against a rotating drum to slow down or stop a vehicle. They are commonly located on the rear wheels of various vehicles but can occasionally be found on the front wheels as well.
Drum brakes are favored in vehicle manufacturing due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They provide enhanced resistance to water and dust when compared to disc brakes, making them suitable for wet or dusty driving conditions. Although they are not as prevalent as disc brakes, some modern vehicles continue to utilize drum brakes because of their advantageous properties.
How Do I Keep My Brakes in Good Condition?
Simple measures can extend your braking system's life. Avoid driving through water whenever possible. Keep brakes clean and free from debris. Regular brake inspections with trusted auto mechanics, like those at Airport Automotive, can help identify wear and tear or perform preventative maintenance early on.
The Best Brake Repairs Near the Colorado Springs Airport
Airport Automotive is the preferred destination for extensive brake inspections, replacements, and repairs throughout Colorado Springs. From brake pad replacements and calipers to inspections, we're committed to providing top-notch repair work and exceptional customer service.
We only ever recommend the services you need—we never upsell for the sake of upselling. Our commitment to honesty, precision, and quality precedes our reputation as one of the best brake service centers near the Colorado Springs Airport. Schedule your appointment online or reach out to us at 719-570-7212 today!
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