In Austin, brake and clutch repair is something that many car owners will have to deal with at one time or another. If you’re experiencing problems with either of these components, it’s likely you have many questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about brake and clutch repair and replacement. Why Do I Need to Have My Brakes Checked Regularly? Your vehicle’s brakes are an important safety feature of your car. If they are worn or not working correctly, not only are you putting yourself at risk while driving, but you’re putting other drivers at risk too. What Does My Car’s Clutch Do? A car’s clutch is responsible for carefree motoring. If it is damaged, it can make shifting gears rough or impossible. A broken clutch can also cause problems with the engine or transmission, two very expensive car parts to replace or repair if they are damaged. The clutch system consists of the following 4 parts: - Flywheel
- Pressure plate
- Disc
- Bearing and release system
My Car Is an Automatic. Does It Have a Clutch? No, not in the traditional form. Only manual vehicles have an actual touch clutch or clutch pedal. However, the torque convertor in automatic vehicles performs a job similar to the manual clutch and can cause issues with smooth motoring if it is broken. How Do I Know if I Need My Brakes or Clutch Repaired or Replaced? Luckily, drivers are given warning signs that a problem is looming. The challenge is paying attention and being alert for these warning signs. Here are 4 signs that your brakes may require replacement: - Grinding brakes
- Squeaky brakes
- Squishy brakes
- Shaking when brakes are applied
Ignoring these signs not only puts you at risk for brake failure, but damaged breaks can also cause rotor damage, which is much more costly to fix than replacing brake pads. Not sure you need your clutch repaired or replaced? Pay close attention to these signs: - Grinding between gears
- Problems shifting
- High RPMs when driving at an incline or a top speeds on the freeway
Can I Make Replace these Parts Myself? Many car owners replace the brakes on their vehicles. It is cheaper to do it this way, but not always recommended. If you do not have any experience working on cars, you may want to let a professional handle the replacement. Not only does this ensure that the job is completed correctly, but the technician can check your rotors and make sure that nothing else is causing the problems you’re experiencing. Replacing a clutch should always be done by a mechanic with the appropriate experience. If you install the new clutch incorrectly, you could damage your engine or transmission and void any manufacturer warranties that come with your vehicle. How Often Will I Need Brake and Clutch Replacement? A car’s clutch system tends to have a lifespan anywhere between 80,000 and 110,000 miles. As your vehicles accumulates miles, the clutch disk can wear, the flywheel may warp, or the pressure plate can splinter. If you’ve experienced any signs of clutch malfunction and your vehicle has high miles, take it into a shop for a thorough diagnosis. Unlike a car’s clutch, its brakes may require replacement every 50,000 miles or so. Brake pads are subjected to daily wear and tear. If you own your vehicle for several years and drive it well over the 100,000 mile mark, it’s possible you may have to replace the brakes 2, 3, or more times. Luckily, at most Austin brake and clutch repair shops, the cost to replace standard brakes is under $200. And, many shops run monthly or year-long specials for this maintenance service.
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