Vehicle Brakes

Pit Stop offers a comprehensive brake service to make sure your braking systems are working optimally for safety and vehicle performance. Car brakes are one of the most important vehicle systems so regular brake repair and maintenance work is essential. Whether it's new brake pads, brake discs, brake drums, a brake service, or a handbrake service we've got you covered.

To get a car brake system check, visit your nearest Pit Stop branch or make a booking online

Brake System Danger Signs

• When your car's brakes screech or squeal
• When your brake pedal is low, hard, soft or spongy
• When your steering wheel shudders under braking
• When your vehicle loses grip under braking
• When your vehicle pulls to the left or right under braking
• When your vehicle takes longer to stop than normal

Brakes represent one of the most important systems on a car. Downsizing of vehicles, aerodynamics and front-wheel drive have combined to make brakes smaller, more precise and less tolerant of inaccurate service - get a brake service to ensure that your brakes are performing properly.

It is essential that your car brakes are in proper working order at all times. If you can't stop quickly and efficiently, you and your family are seriously at risk of having an accident.

All cars have one of two types of braking systems or a combination of both.

Drum Brakes

Brake shoes, with linings attached, are situated inside brake drums. These drums revolve with the wheel. When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid in the braking system forces the brake shoes outward until the linings come into contact with the inside of the drum and force it to stop.

Disc Brakes

These operate on a similar principle, except that the brake consists of a stationary caliper, with a disc revolving with the wheel. When the pedal is pressed down, hydraulic pressure forces the pads in the caliper to clamp on the disc, much like the operation of a bicycle brake. Most late model cars have disc brakes or a combination of front disc and rear drum brakes.

Brakes are sensitive to heat, water and moisture, and the pads and linings wear every time you put your foot on the brake pedal.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, namely it can absorb moisture from air depending on humidity. The amount absorbed indirectly affects brake fluid boiling point.

1. 250°C at the beginning (when new)
2. 200°C after 4 months (moisture 1%)
3. 150°C after 10-12 months (moisture 3%)

When brake fluid starts absorbing moisture and the boiling point of the fluids begins to drop, braking efficiency deteriorates to a point where damage to rubber moving parts and low boiling points, cause sudden brake failure e.g. prolonged use of brakes when descending a hill or driving through a series of tight bends where constant brake application is required.

1. A complete brake repair involves more than just fitting brake pads or shoes on the car and bleeding the braking system. It also may require:
2. Inspecting and rebuilding or replacing brake calipers.
3. Resurfacing or replacing rotors or drums.
4. Inspecting and repacking or replacing wheel bearings.
5. Inspecting backing plates and all brake lines.
6. Replacing all hardware and spring kits on drum brakes where needed.
7. Inspecting and replacing wheel cylinders or master cylinders.
8. Flushing the entire brake system.

To arrange for a brake check simply phone your nearest Pit Stop or make a booking online