brake mechanic Brakes & Brake Repair

Do you need more runway than a 747 to stop your car? If you answered yes it's time to have your brakes inspected at your neighborhood Midas.

From the brake pedal to hydraulic brake fluid, brake master cylinder to power brake booster, drum brakes to disc brakes and electronic anti-lock brake sensors, Midas technicians know every part of your brake system inside and out and can perform brake repair on any make and model.

No wonder Midas is one of North America’s brake service leaders.- With locations throughout the US and Canada, you can be confident we’ll always be there when you need us.

You know you need brake repair when:

the brake dashboard light glows amber, indicating problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS)

the brake dashboard light is red, indicating a system imbalance

the brake pedal is spongy or slow to respond

you hear grinding or constant squealing during braking

Any time you notice these or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your brakes checked. At Midas, if our inspection reveals you do need brake repair service, we will explain exactly what's required, what’s optional and provide you with a written estimate before any work is done.

Answer: 55

Question: How many items are inspected during the MIdas SecureStop? brake service?

Midas understands how important brakes are and has developed a 55-point inspection process to diagnose the health of your brake system. Our ASE-certified technicians will let you know which components need immediate attention and which ones can wait. And they’ll discuss brake repair options that fit within your budget.

Our quality pads and shoes come with the famous Midas Lifetime Guarantee.* Brake pads and shoes purchased with this guarantee are warranted for as long as you own your car.

Brake systems - more than you wanted to know.

Your vehicle’s brake system has one job – to stop your vehicle. But it takes several key components to deliver that singular end result. To bring a vehicle to a halt, three things are necessary: leverage, hydraulic force and friction. Leverage is supplied by the driver’s leg pressure and the brake pedal. The pedal is connected by levers and rods to the back of the power booster. The power booster uses either engine vacuum or a hydraulic pump to multiply and transfer the force of that leverage to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the heart of your vehicle’s brake hydraulic system. It uses applied leverage to force a reservoir full of brake fluid through valves, steel lines and rubber hoses into hydraulic calipers and wheel cylinders. That hydraulic pressure is then used to help create friction.

For example, disc brakes use a hydraulic caliper fitted with brake pads to grab a spinning disc (or rotor). Drum brakes, on the other hand, have a hydraulic wheel cylinder that pushes a brake shoe against the inside of a spinning drum. Either design involves highly engineered parts and precise movement. The more force a driver applies to the brake pedal, the greater the stopping force that is applied at the wheels.

In addition to this primary braking system, most of today’s vehicles utilize an electronic Anti-lock Brake System. Using electronic sensors and high pressure pumps, under certain conditions, your ABS system can measure vehicle speed, wheel slip and brake force. Then it actually pumps the brakes for you during an emergency stop.

That’s why it’s essential to be proactive about testing overall brake components. And to know whether a brake component needs simply to be serviced or totally replaced.

ASK THE MECHANIC

Brakes & Brake Repair FAQs

Q: Do I have to change my brake fluid?

A: You don’t have to change your brake fluid, but consider this: When the brake fluid shows signs of high levels of copper content, the additives in the brake fluid are breaking down. This increases acid levels, and causes erosion of parts and possible damage to Anti-Lock Brake System components. Today’s anti-lock brake systems are expensive – some parts cost thousands of dollars, not including labor. Changing your brake fluid protects this investment.

Q: My car shakes when I hit the brakes. What's going on?

A: It’s possibly a sign that your rotors need attention, but we’ll know for sure once we take a look.

Q: I only have 10,000 miles on my car and my brakes are squeaking. Do I need new brakes already?

A: Probably not, but whether it’s a squeal or a grind, brake noise means the brake system needs some attention. Bring your vehicle to any of our stores, and we’ll be happy to take a look.

Q: How long do brake pads and rotors last?

A: All brake pads and rotors wear down. The rate at which this happens depends on your driving style. Cars that drive in town with lots of stop-and-gos will consume brake friction material much faster than cars that drive primarily on highways. Vehicle loads are the other factor. The heavier your car is, the more braking power it requires to stop.