Brake repairs is what many people tend to think about when it comes to being safe on the roads, but concentrating on regular brake maintenance is much more vital to your overall safety.

Maintaining your brakes properly means not waiting until they need repairs but having them checked on a regular basis to help avoid any unseen or unexpected problems which might impact your ability to brake safely and efficiently should the need arise. Regular brake maintenance allows you to feel confident that your brakes will be in good working order when you need them most - in an emergency.

When it comes to Brake Maintenance, you should never take a risk. If you're not sure if your brake maintenance is 100% - call a professional like Auto Stop without delay.

Brake Fluid - contamination, flushing, types

Most people are fully aware that it is important to keep the brake fluid level topped up to maximise brake performance, but did you know that you should also have the entire system flushed regularly to replace old brake fluid and prevent excessive moisture in the fluid?

Checking your brake fluids colour regularly yourself is good common sense, but don't rely on it to indicate the actual condition of the fluid. Simply because it looks clean doesn't mean it's actually in good condition. Moisture can accumulate in the brake fluid, increasing the risk that the fluid will not do the job required of it and it's not always noticeable in a visual inspection.

There are various types of brake fluids available, each with their own benefits. The most common types include DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1, which are glycol-based fluids. DOT 3 and DOT 4 are widely used due to their affordability and efficiency in everyday vehicles, offering good performance under normal driving conditions. DOT 5.1 is designed for high-performance and high-temperature environments, making it ideal for sports or performance vehicles. Additionally, there's DOT 5, a silicone-based fluid that does not absorb moisture, providing longer-lasting performance and protecting against corrosion. However, it is not compatible with most braking systems and is typically used in classic or military vehicles. Selecting the appropriate brake fluid for your vehicle ensures optimal braking performance and longevity.

Brakes that squeal can be a warning that your brake pads are wearing out. Many good quality brake pads have a small metal piece embedded in them designed to purposely scratch on the disc when your brake pads are degraded, causing that high pitch noise. However, it's not advised to wait until you hear noises to get your pads assessed, we recommend having your brakes inspected at every service.

Brake pads are made from three main types of materials: organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. Organic brake pads, composed of materials like rubber, carbon compounds, and fibreglass, are often used in smaller vehicles or city cars due to their quiet operation and softer braking feel. Semi-metallic brake pads contain a mixture of metals, such as steel and copper, making them durable and effective for a wide range of vehicles, including performance cars. They are particularly useful for drivers who engage in more aggressive or high-speed driving. Ceramic brake pads, known for their longevity and minimal noise, are made from ceramic fibres and are typically used in high-performance and luxury vehicles. Each type of brake pad is chosen based on the vehicle's requirements, driving conditions, and the driver's preference for braking performance.

Brake Pads can last for anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's but this changes according to a number of reasons such as driving conditions, your driving style and carrying or towing regular heavy loads. If your brake pads are wearing out ahead of time your Auto Stop mechanic might advise using heavier duty or heat resistant brake pads more suited to your vehicle or driving style.

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.

Auto Stop are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty.

At Auto Stop we offer a Vehicle Inspection Report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake system and more. This Vehicle Inspection Report lets you know if there are any immediate need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to budget for them in advance.

Prioritise regular brake maintenance over repairs. Ensure safe braking with fluid checks and the right pads. 
Consult Auto Stop for expert advice and services.

Essential Brake Maintenance: Safety on the Road in Salisbury

To help you understand Log Book servicing and learn more about Auto Stop in Salisbury, please read the questions and answers below:

Auto Stop share their customers frequently asked questions about Log Book servicing

Log Book Servicing - FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions about Log Book servicing 

Auto Stop have the knowledge and expertise to provide service, repairs and diagnostics on all European and Luxury vehicles including Alfa Romeo - Audi - BMW - Citroen - Ferrari - Fiat - Land Rover - Mercedes Benz - Mini Cooper - Peugeot - Lexus - Porsche - Volvo and many more In-house in our well equipped Salisbury service centre.

European cars are generally designed and built with distinctive craftsmanship and finely tuned engines, which require a certain level of specialised knowledge to service or maintain them to the standards they deserve. Luxury and Euro vehicles often require cutting edge expertise to handle the cutting edge technologies that can be specific to these vehicles.

As we are members of the Australia's leading provider of automotive technical training and information - the Repco Auto-Tech training program, you can rest assured that Auto Stop are fully aware of all modern vehicle servicing techniques. Through the Auto-Tech encyclopedia and Smart-Quote programs Auto Stop have fast access to the newest service schedules for all Luxury and European makes and models.

Our fully qualified, expert technicians know exactly how to take good care of all Luxury and European Vehicles, whether it be choosing the right quality parts or using European car specific software for diagnosis.

If you're looking for an Audi service, an experienced BMW mechanic or someone to help protect your Luxury investment with qualified European car expertise contact us or book a service today.

Auto Stop have the knowledge and expertise to provide service, repairs and diagnostics on all European and Luxury vehicles including Alfa Romeo - Audi - BMW - Citroen - Ferrari - Fiat - Land Rover - Mercedes Benz - Mini Cooper - Peugeot - Lexus - Porsche - Volvo and many more In-house in our well equipped Salisbury service centre…

Expert European and Luxury Car servicing in Brisbane

Is a specialist needed to service European cars?

Differential bushings could be the issue if they are aged, worn or cracked.  They control movement in the joints, absorb road bumps and reduce vibrations and noise while driving or reversing. These are one of many automotive issue we can handle at Auto Stop, your trusted local mechanic in Salisbury.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing. This is particularly apparent on vehicles that have travelled high kilometres, have high horsepower or vehicles towing loads regularly.

A tell-tale sign that this bushing is no longer performing as intended is hearing a clunking noise or feeling a jolt under acceleration or when shifting gears from drive to reverse. The primary function of the rear differential bushing is to provide a smooth and quiet transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheels of your vehicle under acceleration.

Should this issue go unresolved it may result in excessive wear on surrounding drive train and suspension components so it is wise and economical to act swiftly should you be experiencing any of these symptoms.

Your local Repco Authorised Service Centre Auto Stop in Salisbury is experienced in diagnosing and fixing this problem. We can replace your worn rubber differential bushing with a highly durable Nolathane differential bushing specifically designed and manufactured to address this problem and return your vehicle back to its optimum performance.

So, if “clunking” goes with your Territory or Falcon, contact the team at Auto Stop today.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing.

At Auto Stop in  Salisbury we believe the transmission is an important part of your vehicle.

Without the transmission, your vehicle would not be able to move between gears. The transmission fluid allows you to do this smoothly and also protects the working parts inside your transmission. The transmission fluid doesn't diminish through use. Yet the level should still be checked periodically because if there is a leak, or the fluid level is low, it will harm the internal parts of your transmission.

Transmission fluid can become dirty over time with metal shavings and other particles which will shorten the life of your transmission. Replacing a transmission is a costly exercise and so checking the fluid and replacing it when necessary is a good investment in the long run.

At Auto Stop we provide a full 65 Point Vehicle Condition Report upon request with every full car service - This includes a check of your transmission fluid and we will advise you if we think your fluid needs to be replaced or if a transmission service might be needed.

Call Auto Stop for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services. We are conveniently located in Salisbury.

A diesel engine can be more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run than its petrol-powered counterpart. However, it still needs regular servicing to keep it running at an ultimate level and to help make sure nothing goes wrong. 

Our technicians at Auto Stop are fully qualified to service diesel SUV, AWD, 4WD and Passenger diesel vehicles. Contact us today.

Call Auto Stop for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services.

Diesel Engine Service and Repairs in Salisbury

Diesel Repairs

AAAA

MTAQ

RACQ

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 20th of December and reopening on Monday the 6th of January

We advise that the workshop will be closed over the Easter long weekend reopening on Tuesday the 11th of April

We also advise that we will be closed Tuesday the 25th of April for ANZAC Day reopening Wednesday the 26th of April.

Please note we will be closed Public Holiday 16th of August and reopening Thursday 17th of August

We wish to advise that we will be closed for the public holiday on the 2nd of October. Apologies for any inconvenience.

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Thursday the 21st of December and reopening on Monday the 8th of January

Auto Stop take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 
		
Conveniently located in Salisbury, Brisbane, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 
		
Auto Stop have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

Auto Stop

Diesel Repairs

Related articles

Brake Maintenance is Critical

Frequently Asked Questions about Log Book servicing

Is a specialist needed to service European cars?

Does clunking go with your territory?

Get into gear!