Professional Brake Repair & Replacement in Corona, CA
Don’t Wait for Warning Signs: The Importance of Regular Brake Checks
However, it is not a good idea to wait until an unusual noise, shake, or smell pops up. It is recommended by most manufacturers to check your brakes once or twice a year to avoid any surprises while driving.
Some Common Causes for Brake Problems
Here are some of the most common causes that lead to brake issues:
- intense friction and heat wear out the pads and discs
- lack of sufficient brake fluid
- Moister in the brake fluid
For this last one, you should know that brake fluid tends to absorb moister from the air, in other words, it is hygroscopic. This may lower the boiling point and lead to corrosion in the brake system. Moreover, when the boiling point is low, in severe braking conditions, the pressure you apply on the pedal, instead of being transferred to the caliper pistons, will just compress the vapor in the fluid. This condition is known as a spongy brake pedal.
The good news is all these problems can be avoided by regular brake inspections.
Signs of Failing Brakes
Even if you get your brakes checked twice a year, there is still a chance that something goes wrong. It is vital for any driver to be familiar with the symptoms of failing brakes to prevent any accidents.
- Brake light on the dashboard.
- Brake fluid might start leaking.
- You need to apply more pressure on the brake pedal.
- You hear some unusual noises while braking.
- You feel some unusual vibrations while braking.
- The brakes might get harder.
- Problems with the engine misfiring or even stalling.
- Your vehicle pulls to one side while braking.
- You smell some burning smells.
- It gets longer for your car to stop.
If you have any one of these symptoms, you need to take it to a repair facility to inspect your brakes. Take them seriously.
What We Offer at Our Brake Services and Inspection
( Duration & Pricing Vary )
At our automotive shop in Corona, CA, our professional technicians are ready to help you with a wide range of services for your cars and SUVs at reasonable prices. Our main brake services include:
- Brake Inspection
- Brake Repair
- Brake Fluid Change
- Brake Change and Replacement
- Brake Pad Replacement
- resurfacing rotors/drums
- cleaning and adjusting different components
- lubricating
Brake Inspection
It is recommended to check your brakes once or twice a year (depending on the amount of driving). At 10 Degrees Automotive, our experienced mechanics thoroughly inspect your entire brake system. They look for any infinitesimal problem in your brake lines and hoses, fluid, pads, rotors, etc. They take notes of actual and potential issues with the system.
Brake Change and Replacement
If, when braking, you hear some squeaking and grinding noises, or you feel shakes and vibrations, or your pedal responds with delay, all these indicate you might need to change your brake.
A complete brake job means replacing the following parts:
- front and rear linings (pads and shoes)
- rotors and/or drums
- brake fluid
Our mechanics can do a full brake replacement in a relatively short time. Different components are also available here, with the best qualities.
Brake Fluid Change
Your car cannot stop properly if there is not an appropriate level of brake fluid. It is something that nobody should take lightly. The problem with brake fluid is its lifespan. It can last between 2 to 5 years. This makes it hard to predict when you need to change it. The only solution is regular brake inspections.
Apart from the level of brake fluid, you need to address any leaking. If your vehicle is losing brake fluid, it is not safe to drive it, because your brakes might not work as they are supposed to. Our technicians are the best in the area for fixing the leaking problem in a short time.
How to Know the BrakeFluid Is Low?
The reservoir is under the hood, so it is not that easy to check it every time. There are some marks that show the standard level of it. Any amount lower than the appropriate level can cause a malfunction of the brakes. A brake fluid is normally clear and can be a bit yellowish. On the other hand, when it is not in good condition, gradually it turns brown or even black.
There are also some other signs that may signal a lack of hydraulic fluid.
- The ABS (anti-lock braking system) light
- Harder or softer pedal
- Noises from brake pads or any other unusual noises (squeaking or squealing)
- Any burning smells
We check your brake fluid and change it, if necessary, with the best fluid brands in the country. All types of brake fluids are available here (DOT3, DOT4, DOT5).
Brake Pad Replacement
The pads are one of the important parts of the brake system that apply friction to discs to make the vehicle slow down. The friction and the resulting heat wear out the pads. Brake pads can last between 25,000 to 70,000 miles. This is a big range! So, it is better to pay attention to any signs that can mean you have used up your brake pads.
Common signs of worn pads include:
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- Odd noises when braking (squeaking, squealing, grinding, screeching)
- Vibrations and shakes when braking (especially for brake pedal and wheel)
- The ABS light comes on
- The pedal responds with a delay
- Thin pads
If you need new pads, we can replace them for you. We will guide you on what type of pads work best for you based on your vehicle, style, and budget.
There Are Four Types of Brake Pads:
Semi-metallic Pads
Semi-metallic (or metallic) pads are the most common type of pads which are also relatively cheaper. The main material used in this model is metal which ranges between 30% to 65%. Other important materials are wire, copper, steel wool, etc. On average, these pads need to be replaced every 50,000 miles.
Aside from being cheap, they are robust and resistant to heat. They are also easier on rotors compared to ceramic pads. However, they may not work properly in lower temperatures.
These features have made semi-metallic pads ideal for race cars. So, if you drive very fast, this model is for you!
Ceramic Pads
Although this is the most expensive model, it is worth the money. As the name suggests, the materials include ceramic fibers. On average, they last around 75,000 miles.
When your car is equipped with ceramic pads, you do not need to worry about braking. They are quiet, durable, and absorb heat very well. However, as it takes a long time for them to be ready to operate properly, they are not suitable for everyday life. This model is best for rallying.
Non-asbestos Organic Pads
This model is mostly composed of organic materials, including rubber, resins, and fiberglass. On average, these pads need to be replaced every 40.000 miles.
Non-asbestos organic pads (also called non-metallic) are easier on the discs. These pads are also quiet. However, they are soft and this makes them wear away relatively fast. So, they are not suited for high performances. Because of their softness, they can cause a lot of brake dust as well. If they include Kevlar instead of rubber, their performance improves, but so does the price.
Low-metallic NAO Pads
This model also includes organic materials plus some copper or steel. This metal can comprise around 10% to 30% of the model.
They have some of the benefits and drawbacks of the organic model, but because of the metal, the heat is transferred better. The stopping power is also stronger. However, they are a bit noisier than the organic ones.
Which Brake Pads Work Best for You?
This depends on your car and your driving style.
If your vehicle is light, usually organic pads are the best option. They are affordable and quiet. They are suitable for everyday usage.
For a bit bigger vehicles, low-metallic NAO pads are recommended. They will provide enough power for the brake, but they can be a bit noisier.
For heavy vehicles, semi-metallic pads can be a good choice due to the metal they include. This metal provides enough power for heavy vehicles to stop.
Beyond the Basics: Comprehensive Brake Services to Keep You Safe on the Road
Except for the brake services and inspection discussed above, our capable technicians assist you with the following services for your brake system, as well.
- resurfacing rotors/drums
- cleaning and adjusting different components
- lubricating
- Sometimes your brakes can get as good as new with these simpler services. Get an honest opinion from our team.
Count on 10 Degrees Automotive for Comprehensive Brake Maintenance and Repair
10 Degrees Automotive repair shop is here for you if you have any difficulties with your brake or you simply need a full and honest brake inspection, with affordable prices and skillful technicians. You can drive your car to the shop in Corona, CA, or call for an appointment.
We know how important brakes are for a safe drive, and that is why we take our job very seriously. Do not forget regular maintenance of your brake system. Our mechanics can make you aware of any major or minor issue with your brakes. They also know what your options are for addressing these issues and what the best choice is for you and your vehicle. Besides, you should not worry about how to get quality components or fluid. You can count on us for your brake services and inspection.
You can call us or visit us at 1453 W 6th St #102x, Corona, CA 92882, USA.
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Hours of Operation
We here at 10 Degrees Automotive are dedicated to our craft. It’s simple. We love cars. Call us now and we’ll get in touch soon.
Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am - 4pm
Sunday: Closed