Brake Repair in Manassas, VA

Brake Repair and Service

Whether you regularly commute into Washington, are going on a long trip, or simply running errands, your brakes have to be working correctly all the time.

After all, a lot happens when you press down on the brake pedal, bringing your vehicle to a safe and complete stop. Pressure from your foot to the brake pedal forces fluid in the system to activate the brake pads. And if any component is bad, from the brake calipers, hoses and pads, to the rotors and master cylinder, braking efficiency is diminished. The safety and reliability of the braking system in your car or SUV is absolutely critical – there is no room for compromise.

Brake Repair Warning Signs

Sometimes, your vehicle will alert you if there’s a problem and that your brakes need to be repaired. The most obvious sign is if a brake (ABS) warning light appears on the dash. But there might be other indicators, such as:

If you hear squealing noises, chirping sounds, or grinding when you come to a stop;

The brake pedal is soft or spongy or slow to respond;

The brakes are grabbing or pulling;

You feel vibration in the brake pedal.

Diagnosing and Repairing Brakes

Conducting a comprehensive brake system analysis of all the key components is the first step. At Coho Auto, we begin by:

• Inspecting master cylinder’s operation;
• Inspecting brake rotors for wear or damage caused by worn out brake pads;
• Inspecting brake drums in larger vehicles and older model cars;
• Inspecting brake pads for excessive wear;
• Inspecting springs, adjusters and guides that can become grimy from brake dust and road debris;
• Inspecting brake calipers to ensure they are properly compressing and releasing;
• Inspecting brake lines to ensure they are not damaged or leaking brake fluid.

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. All parts that are installed on your vehicle meet or exceed your vehicle’s manufacturer’s specifications and standards.

Preventative Maintenance for Brakes

The best way to avoid breakdowns and the higher costs associated with automotive repairs is by doing routine maintenance. Preventive vehicle maintenance is simply what the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends to keep it going. Whether you have a car or truck, we suggest following these suggestions to help keep your brakes working properly:

• Have your brakes inspected at least once a year, and more frequently if you drive mostly in urban areas, tow a trailer/camper/boat, or regularly drive on steep hills;
• Avoid “riding” your brakes;
• Keep your wheels and braking system clean – clean brakes work better and keep temperatures down;
• Have the brake fluid tested and your brake system flushed at least every other year.

(Tip: Brake-fluid flushing is important for all braking systems but it’s vital for vehicles with antilock brakes because the brake-pumping motor can accumulate dirt or moisture and transfer those contaminants to the brake fluid. Replacing a pump is anything but cheap, making preventive maintenance a true bargain.)

Coho Auto’s ASE certified technicians provide the highest quality brake service and repair, backed by years of experience and ongoing training, as well as the most up-to-date technology and tools available. If the time comes when you need to have your brakes serviced, or if you think you’re having problems, give us a call. No one does it better than Coho Auto!