How do I know if my car is leaking brake fluid?

A decrease in braking performance or a spongy feel in the brake pedal could indicate a brake fluid leak. It's critical to address any brake fluid leaks immediately to maintain vehicle safety.

Why is my dashboard brake light on?

The brake light on your dashboard may indicate it's time for brake service or signal an issue. Visit Catalano Automotive Repair for a precise diagnosis and prompt resolution.

What is the 30-30-30 rule for brakes?

The 30-30-30 rule suggests breaking in new brake pads with 30 gentle stops from 30 mph, allowing 30 seconds between each to prevent overheating and to help the pads cure properly.

What percent of brake pad life is 3mm?

New brake pads typically start at 8 to 12 mm thick. At 3 mm, your brake pads are near the end of their lifespan, having covered about 40,000 miles. It's advisable to replace them soon to maintain braking efficiency.

What are the 3 types of brake pads?

The three primary types of brake pads are non-asbestos organic, ceramic, and semi-metallic. Each type offers different benefits concerning performance, wear, and noise.

Why is my car pulling to one side when I am braking?

If your car veers to one side when braking, it could be due to a stuck caliper or a collapsed brake hose, causing uneven braking pressure. This should be inspected and repaired to ensure safe driving.

Brake Repair Services | Catalano Automotive Repair

CATALANO AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > BRAKES

Strengthening Your Stopping Power

Whether you're in need of swift maintenance or brake repair services, you can rely on Catalano Automotive Repair for cost-effective solutions. Contact us at 781-559-0721 or visit our Needham location for a comprehensive vehicle inspection, affordable recommendations, and efficient repairs to ensure optimal performance. To us, safety is paramount, so if you have any doubts about your brakes, reach out to us immediately!

Comprehensive Brake Repair Services

We provide a full range of brake repair services to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Our services include:

Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ensures your wheels keep rotating during braking, preventing skidding and providing better control. If your ABS light illuminates, visit Catalano Automotive Repair for a diagnosis and professional repair.

Brake Fluid Flushes
Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air over time, diminishing brake effectiveness and becoming corrosive, potentially harming the system. Regular brake fluid flushes are vital to ensure fresh fluid usage in your vehicle. Consult our technicians at Catalano Automotive Repair to determine the right time for a brake fluid flush.

Brake Hoses
A brake hose carries pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A damaged hose can lead to delayed or weak braking, and a leak may result in brake failure. While the need for a replacement brake hose isn't common, any signs of cracking or wear should prompt immediate replacement.

Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Squealing brakes often indicate brake pad issues. When brake pads deteriorate completely, a harsh metal-on-metal grinding noise occurs during braking, indicating potential rotor or drum damage. Although experienced individuals may attempt home repairs, if you have brake concerns, it's best to consult an auto repair professional promptly.

Caliper Replacement
The brake caliper houses brake pads and clamps around the rotor to apply pressure during braking. Caliper problems can cause uneven braking, leading to skidding during braking and loss of control in adverse weather conditions. Contact Catalano Automotive Repair in Needham at your earliest convenience for assistance.

Resurface Rotors
In a disc brake system, rotors attach to your vehicle's wheels. The friction with brake pads over time creates grooves and cracks. The process of resurfacing restores rotors to a "like-new" condition, reducing noise and wobbling. At Catalano Automotive Repair, we inspect your rotors thoroughly and recommend the best course of action.

Contact Us for Brake Repair in Needham

Don't let brake issues put your safety at risk. Visit Catalano Automotive Repair in Needham for expert brake repair services. Call us today or schedule your appointment online for fast, reliable service you can trust.

Brake FAQs

Learn about some of the common questions you may have:

Why are my brakes making a grinding noise?

A grinding sound from your brakes often signals that they're severely worn and require immediate attention. This noise typically means the brake pads have worn down to the rotors.

Why are my brakes squeaking?

Squeaking brakes can result from small stones or debris caught in the pads, or it may indicate that the pads are wearing thin. It's a sign that your brakes might need inspection or replacement.

Why are my brakes making a burning smell?

A burning smell from your brakes can occur if they overheat from excessive use. If you notice a chemical odor or smoke, pull over safely and allow the brakes to cool to avoid further damage.

Why are my brakes vibrating?

Vibration when braking usually points to an issue with uneven rotor surfaces. Over time, rotors can wear unevenly, causing vibrations through the steering wheel when you apply the brakes.

What are the 3 signs that brake pads are worn?

Common signs of worn brake pads include squeaking noises, grinding sounds, and the brake warning light illuminating on your dashboard.

To learn more about our Brake services, call us at 781-559-0721 or request a quote by clicking below:

Request Quote

Brake Repair
Brakes, near Newton, MA

01/08/2021

I was very impressed by all the positive online comments for John and his Catalano Automotive Repair. I thus brought my Toyota to him about a year ago with some concern with the brakes. He did a quick check and said all looked fine - no need to do any replacement. A couple weeks ago, I brought the car to him again for maintenance and others. The whole process was efficient and John was very professional. He even offered the service to drop the car as I couldn't go there to pick it up before the New Year holiday. Definitely will be back again and recommend to others.
Jinjun

Discover More About Brake Repair Services At Catalano Automotive Repair in Needham

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Catalano Automotive Repair

41 Kearney Rd
Needham, MA 02494
781-559-0721
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Vehicle tips
- According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
- Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
- A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
- Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
- Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
- Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
- Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
- Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
- Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
- Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
- Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
- Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
- Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
- Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
- Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.
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