Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre in Brighton. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre in Brighton know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre in Brighton we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason

Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering

If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact your local mechanics at Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Brighton workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

As the seasons change and winter brings its unique set of challenges, it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the cold and wet weather. Proper maintenance not only keeps your car running smoothly but also ensures your safety on the road. Regular car servicing plays a pivotal role in preparing your vehicle for the winter months. 

Winter weather can be harsh on your vehicle, from freezing temperatures affecting your battery to icy roads putting extra stress on your tires. Regular car servicing ensures that every component of your car is in optimal condition to handle these challenges. At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre, we offer comprehensive vehicle checks and services to keep you safe during the winter months. Our vehicle inspection report will give you peace of mind, knowing that your car is winter-ready.

The Importance of Regular Car Checks and Services

Our Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre in Brighton. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre and Repco Authorised Service.

Driving in winter conditions requires extra caution and preparation. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Slow Down: Reduce your speed to account for the reduced traction on wet or icy roads

Increase Following Distance: Give yourself more space between you and the car in front to allow for longer stopping distances.

Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate and brake gently to avoid skidding.

Use Low Beams: In heavy rain or fog, use your low beam headlights to improve visibility.

Stay Informed: Check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out on a journey.

Pack an Emergency Kit: Include items like a blanket, food, water, and a flashlight in case you get stranded.

Know Your Vehicle: Familiarise yourself with how your car handles in the winter and make sure you're comfortable using features like anti-lock brakes.

Important Things to Check on Your Car for Wet Weather Driving

Tyres: Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth and are properly inflated. Worn tyres can lead to hydroplaning on wet roads.

Brakes: Wet roads increase stopping distances. Make sure your brakes are in excellent working condition.

Wipers and Washer Fluid: Good visibility is crucial. Replace old wipers and fill up on washer fluid to keep your windshield clear.

Lights: Ensure all headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working correctly to maintain visibility and signal your intentions to other drivers.

Battery: Cold weather can drain your battery faster. Have it checked to ensure it holds a full charge.

Fluids: Check all essential fluids, including oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid, to keep your engine running smoothly.

Heater and Defroster: Ensure your heating system and defrosters are working correctly to maintain comfort and visibility.

At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre, we are your go-to for any vehicle checks and services. Our experienced team will provide a thorough vehicle inspection report, ensuring that your car is ready to tackle winter's challenges. Don't wait until the first snowfall; schedule your winter service today and drive with confidence all season long.

Winter driving doesn't have to be stressful if you're well-prepared. Regular car servicing and following these tips can help ensure you and your vehicle stay safe on the road. Remember, Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre is here to help you every step of the way with expert advice and comprehensive vehicle services. 

Car Service and Vehicle Inspections in Brighton

Good brake maintenance means not waiting until they need repairs or worse, waiting to discover they are not up to the task of stopping you safely in an emergency. 

Brake repairs is generally what comes to mind when it comes to being safe on the roads, but concentrating on regular brake maintenance is much more important to your safety overall. Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs but getting them inspected on a regular basis to identify 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.

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

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

Some things are best left to experienced mechanics and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as key to your safety as your braking system.

Your brake pads are a crucial component of your braking system and are a part that you should never neglect. Brake pads create friction by compressing against the brake rotors and use this friction to make your car stop. This means a considerable amount of heat is applied to the brake pads every time you stop. The force necessary to halt a moving vehicle is huge and gives off significant heat which wears down the brake pads over time. This is why regular inspection and/or replacement of your brake pads is an integral part of good brake maintenance practices.

Good quality brake pads often have a small metal piece embedded in them designed to purposely scratch on the disc when your brake pads are degraded, causing a 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.

At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake system. This Vehicle Inspection report lets you know if there are any immediate or future repairs needed on your vehicle, allowing you to budget in advance. We can also advise the right type of brake pad for your environment and driving style.

Brake Pads have a typical lifespan of between 15,000 to 70,000 km's depending on driving conditions, style of driving, carrying regular heavy loads or towing. If you find your brake pads are wearing out ahead of time your mechanic might advise using a heat resistant or heavier duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

Brake fluid is what provides the pressure needed by the brake pads to create the friction needed stop your car. It also helps increase the projected lifespan of your various brake components by helping to protect against corrosion. Most drivers understand the need to keep the brake fluid level topped up, 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?

A brake fluid flush can be performed as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we might suggest you need one outside of a regular schedule if we feel it's necessary. We are always happy to discuss the reasons why with you.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty;

Brake repairs is generally what comes to mind when it comes to being safe on the roads, but concentrating on regular brake maintenance is much more important to your safety overall.

Brake Fluid Flush in Brighton

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Brighton workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Brighton

Brake and Clutch

RACT

TACC

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Brighton, 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. 

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre 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.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre

Brake and clutch

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