Image of an assembled brake components with vector images of a wrench, showing that it's time to change brakes.

How to Tell When It’s Time for a Brake Replacement

Introduction Recognizing when to replace your vehicle’s brakes is a critical aspect of car maintenance that directly impacts safety and performance. This extensive guide delves deep into understanding the signs and importance of timely brake replacement, ensuring you are well-equipped to make informed decisions for your vehicle’s upkeep. The Essential Role of Brakes in Vehicle Safety Brakes are arguably the …

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Mechanic performing a brake service on a vehicle. Changing out rotors and pads.

Breaking Down Brake Care: Expert Tips for Every Driver

Welcome to Harbor Brakes and Auto Repair’s blog! Today, we’re focusing on a crucial aspect of your vehicle’s safety: brake care. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newbie behind the wheel, understanding how to maintain and service your brakes is vital. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about brake maintenance, from the basics …

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Mechanic balancing a tire on tire balancing machine.

Alignment vs. Balancing: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety, two key maintenance tasks come to mind: wheel alignment and tire balancing. Both services contribute to a smoother ride, but they serve different purposes. Wheel alignment focuses on correcting the angles of your tires, while tire balancing addresses weight imbalances in the wheels. Understanding the difference between these two services …

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Image of a mechanic setting up a car for an alignment service

Why Your New Tires Need a Professional Alignment

Getting a professional alignment for your new tires is essential for ensuring a smoother ride, prolonged tire life, and better fuel efficiency. Misaligned tires and wheels can impact your gas mileage, cause uneven tire wear, and affect drivability. Regular alignments should be part of your basic auto maintenance, with 4-wheel alignments recommended for most passenger vehicles and thrust alignments for …

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Image of a hand with yellow mechanic gloves on, holding brake pads over a rotor.

Ceramic vs. Metallic Brake Pads: Pros and Cons

Your vehicle’s braking system is essential for your safety on the road. When you press the brake pedal, pressurized fluid activates the brake pads, which then create friction to slow down your vehicle. There are three main types of brake pads: ceramic, metallic, and organic. In this article, we will focus on the differences between ceramic and metallic brake pads, …

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image of worn down rotors and pads

Preventive Measures for Brake System Care

Proper brake maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your vehicle, as well as the safety of yourself and others on the road. Regular inspection and maintenance of all brake components is essential. This includes checking and replacing brake pads and rotors, flushing brake fluid, bleeding the brake lines, and upgrading or replacing brake parts when necessary. …

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Brake fluid bottle on top of a rotor, mechanic about to perform a brake flush.

The Importance and Process of a Brake System Flush

A brake system flush is a vital maintenance procedure to ensure effective braking and overall vehicle safety. It involves replacing old brake fluid with fresh fluid to prevent moisture buildup and degradation of braking performance. Regular brake system flushes, performed every 30,000 miles or every two years, are crucial for optimal brake maintenance. While it is possible to do a …

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