BRAKES | coastalautos

The skilled mechanics at Coastal Autos take pride in ensuring your vehicle is safe on the road and our service advisers efficiently manage your job from booking to drop off and pick up. During a Warrant of Fitness inspection, or a Full Service, we will inspect the braking system and let you know if any repairs are required. If you notice any smell, shudder, squeal or loss of braking power, book your vehicle in for diagnostics and repair asap.

BRAKE SERVICING, PAPAMOA

Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your car, and they work hard every time you drive - whether you’re coming to a smooth stop at the lights or making a quick emergency brake. Over time, your brake pads wear down, and the brake fluid can get dirty or low, which affects how well your car can stop. That’s why we recommend having your brakes checked regularly, especially if you hear squeaking, feel vibrations, or notice your car taking longer to stop. The health of your brake system is one of the items always checked during a Full Service. The brake pad thickness is visually inspected during a WoF inspection and may fail if they look too thin.

When it comes to servicing the brakes, we look at the whole brake system - not just the pads. If the calipers are sticking or seized, they can wear out your pads and rotors much faster, and even affect your fuel economy. A seized caliper means the brake doesn’t release properly, which can cause uneven braking, a pulling sensation when driving, or even a burning smell from one wheel. We also inspect the rotors for wear or warping. If the surface is uneven or grooved, we usually recommend machining the rotors. This process smooths them out and helps your new pads wear evenly, improving braking feel and stopping power. If rotors have already been machined a number of times or are not able to be machined, they will need to be replaced.

Machining rotors is a great way to get the most out of a brake service. It gives the new pads a clean surface to bed into and reduces the chance of vibration or squealing. If we just replace pads without touching worn rotors - or overlook a sticky caliper - you might end up back in the workshop sooner than expected. A proper service means checking everything works as it should so you can hit the road safely and confidently.

If your vehicle has rear brake shoes, during servicing the brake drum is removed to check for wear, cracks, glazing (shiny surfaces), or contamination from brake fluid or grease. If the shoes are worn down or damaged, they will need to be replaced. It’s also common to replace both sides at once to keep braking balanced. Sometimes the brake drum itself may need machining or replacing if it's scored or out of round. The technician will clean out any brake dust, check the springs and hardware (which help retract the shoes after braking), and replace anything that's weak or corroded. They’ll also adjust the shoes so they sit at the correct distance from the drum for proper braking. Once reassembled, the brakes are tested for feel, performance, and balance. The parking brake (which often uses the rear brake shoes) is also tested and adjusted if necessary.

My car needs the lower control arm bushes replaced, what are they and why are they important?

Lower control arm bushes play a crucial role in your car's suspension system. These rubber or polyurethane components sit between the control arm and the vehicle's frame, providing cushioning and reducing vibrations. They help to absorb the shocks and bumps from the road, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride. Additionally, they maintain proper alignment of the control arms, which helps to keep your wheels aligned correctly, enhancing steering stability and handling. Over time, these bushes can wear out or become damaged, leading to a less smooth ride and potential handling issues. Regular inspection and replacement, when necessary, are important to keep your vehicle driving smoothly and safely.
Why do I need to replace the engine mount in my car?

Replacing the engine mounts in your car is essential for maintaining a smooth and safe driving experience. Engine mounts are designed to secure the engine to the vehicle's frame while absorbing vibrations and shocks. Over time, these mounts can wear out or become damaged due to the constant stress and strain they endure. When engine mounts fail, you might notice increased vibrations, clunking noises, or even misalignment of the engine. Replacing worn or damaged engine mounts not only improves the comfort of your ride by reducing vibrations but also ensures that the engine remains properly aligned and securely in place, preventing potential damage to other components and maintaining overall vehicle stability.
What are the signs my suspension needs attention?

If your ride feels bumpy, your car pulls to one side, or there's a knocking noise over bumps, your suspension could be worn. It’s best to get it checked before it affects safety.
When should I get a wheel alignment?

You should get a wheel alignment if your vehicle pulls to one side, your steering feels off-centre, or your tyres are wearing unevenly. It's also a good idea to have it done after replacing suspension parts, getting new tyres, or hitting a decent pothole or curb. A proper alignment helps your car drive straight, improves tyre life, and saves fuel too.