Brake repair and maintenance

It is crucial that a car’s brakes function flawlessly, as they are one of the most important safety components for the driver, passengers, and other road users. A properly functioning braking system is, among others, important for the following reasons:

• Quick response to dangers: Brakes allow the driver to bring the vehicle to a quick and safe stop to avoid collisions. A failure or impairment of the brakes can prevent the driver from reacting in time, potentially leading to accidents.
• Avoidance of further damage: Timely maintenance and repairs of brakes can prevent larger, more costly damages that would be pricier to fix than simple repairs or maintenance.
• Extended vehicle lifespan: A well-maintained braking system contributes to the overall longevity of the vehicle, as it also helps protect other components like the suspension and tyres.

It is recommended to have your brakes checked at least once a year or after a certain accumulation of kilometres. Depending on the components, this interval may vary.

You should consider having a brake service at the latest if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Unusual noises from the brakes (squealing, grinding, rattling)
• Vibration or pulsation when braking
• A spongy brake pedal
• Longer stopping distances than usual
• Generally irregular braking behavior
• Brake warning light on the dashboard
• Loss of brake fluid

The cost of a brake service varies depending on the scope of the work. The size of the vehicle and the corresponding size of the brake components also play a crucial role. The more parts that need to be replaced and the larger they are, the more expensive the brake service can become.

Feel free to contact our professionals at your Bosch Car Service nearby. They look forward to advising you and provide you with a quote.

During braking, the brake pads rub against the brake disc, causing the pads to wear down over time. For disc brakes, the brake pads should be replaced once they reach a remaining thickness of approximately 2 to 3 millimeters.

For drum brakes, replacement is recommended at a remaining thickness of about 1 millimeter.

Your braking system operates hydraulically. This means that the pressure from the brake pedal is transmitted to the braking system through the brake fluid. Therefore, it’s essential that there is always enough brake fluid to effectively transmit the pressure.

The brake fluid level should be regularly checked and filled if necessary. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This can cause air bubbles to form in the fluid, which can affect braking performance. When the brake fluid is changed, the braking system is also bled to remove any air bubbles. Car manufacturers recommend to replace the brake fluid every two years to ensure proper hydraulic pressure when braking.