Why One of the Key Components of Brake Maintenance is Replacing the Brake Pads

When it comes to vehicle safety, there are few things more critical than a properly functioning set of brakes. Regular brake maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety and performance of your car. One of the key components of brake maintenance is replacing the brake pads in a timely manner.

But being such a small part you might have the mistaken belief they aren't that important. If so you would be wrong...

Brake pads are designed to grip the rotors, which slows the vehicle down and brings it to a stop. They play a vital role in ensuring the car comes to a stop quickly and efficiently. Worn-out brake pads can affect the performance of the brakes, leading to potential accidents. Regular inspection and maintenance of brake pads can save you time and money in the long run, avoiding costly repairs and potential accidents.

Worn out brake pads will not provide the stopping power required to bring the vehicle to a stop quickly and efficiently. In some cases, a lack of braking power can result in increased stopping distances. If your vehicle takes longer to come to a stop, it can lead to potential accidents on the road.

By taking a proactive approach to brake maintenance, you can keep your brakes in optimal condition and enjoy a safer and more comfortable ride. Regular inspections can help to identify worn-out brake pads before they become a safety issue.

Slow brake response time can indicate a need for brake pad replacement. Alternatively, the brake pedal may feel spongy, or the car may not stop as quickly as it once did. Any unusual noise when applying the brakes can also be an indication that something is not working as it should be. Another symptom of worn-out brake pads is that the car may vibrate when braking. The vibration can be felt through the brake pedal, steering wheel, or the entire vehicle. This vibration is due to the worn brake pads and rotors coming into contact.

Worn-out brake pads can lead to damage to the brake rotors and calipers. As the brake pads wear down, they expose the metal backing plates, which can grind against the rotors and cause significant damage. Damaged rotors can be costly to replace and can also lead to increased wear and tear on other brake components.﻿

In addition to damaging the rotors and calipers, worn-out brake pads can even impact your tires. The tires can become worn unevenly, leading to a loss of traction, and reducing the lifespan of your tires.﻿

Regular brake maintenance can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and potential accidents. By taking a proactive approach to brake maintenance, you can keep your brakes in optimal condition and enjoy a safer and more comfortable ride. 

The key takeaway here though is that replacing the brake pads should be part of your routine brake maintenance to ensure that your brakes work correctly when you need them most.

Why replacing your brake pads is important

Winter driving in Port Pirie can be a unique challenge, especially with the unpredictable weather and the demands of country roads. That’s why regular car servicing is so crucial—it’s not just about maintaining your vehicle; it’s about ensuring your safety and peace of mind during the chilly months. Let's dive into why regular servicing is essential and what it entails to get your car winter-ready.

How Regular Servicing Prepares Your Car for Winter Driving in Port Pirie

First off, regular servicing helps keep your vehicle in peak condition. This is particularly important as winter approaches. The cold weather can be harsh on your car's engine, battery, tyres, and other critical components. A well-maintained car is less likely to break down, leaving you stranded in the cold. Regular servicing addresses potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring your car performs reliably even when the temperatures drop.

1. Battery Check and Replacement:
Cold weather can be brutal on your car’s battery. A thorough check will determine if it’s up to the task or needs replacement to avoid inconvenient breakdowns.

 Key Mechanical Tasks in a Winter Service

2. Coolant System Inspection:
Ensuring your cooling system is in excellent shape is vital. It helps your engine manage the extra load, especially if you’re using the heating more frequently.

3. Tyre Maintenance:
Good tyres are essential for traction on wet or icy roads. Regular servicing will include checking tread depth and tyre pressure to ensure maximum grip and safety.

4. Brake Inspection:
Slippery winter roads demand optimal braking performance. Servicing your brakes ensures they are responsive and effective, reducing the risk of accidents.

5. Heating and Defrosting Systems:
Ensuring these systems work correctly not only keeps you comfortable but also ensures your visibility is not compromised by foggy or frosty windows.

Port Pirie’s country roads can pose additional challenges during winter. Poor visibility, slippery surfaces, and unexpected weather changes make driving more demanding. A vehicle in top condition is better equipped to handle these conditions.

Ultimately, keeping your car in good shape is about safety. Winter driving conditions can be hazardous, and ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained means you’re less likely to encounter issues that could lead to accidents or breakdowns. Plus, a well-serviced car will give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the road ahead.

At Thompsons Auto Repairs, we understand the unique demands winter places on your vehicle. Our comprehensive servicing packages are designed to prepare your car for the cold months, ensuring it remains reliable and safe. From battery checks to tyre maintenance and everything in between, our expert mechanics are dedicated to keeping you on the road, no matter what winter throws your way.

Don't wait for winter to hit; book your regular car service with Thompsons Auto Repairs in Port Pirie today and drive with confidence through the season. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your safety and your car’s longevity.

So, as winter looms, take proactive steps to get your car ready. Regular servicing isn't just a good idea—it's essential for safe, reliable winter driving in Port Pirie. Keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're prepared for whatever the season has in store.

Winter driving in Port Pirie can be a unique challenge, especially with the unpredictable weather and the demands of country roads. That’s why regular car servicing is so crucial—it’s not just about maintaining your vehicle; it’s about ensuring your safety and peace of mind during the chilly months...

Getting Ready for winter driving

Thompsons Auto Repairs in Port Pirie, take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs since 2012...

Thompsons Auto Repairs offer all Vehicle Repairs & Servicing and specialise in Exhaust sales and repair, Automotive Exhaust Systems (custom, sports and standard replacements), Radiator Sales (Repairs & Servicing), Automotive Air Conditioning. We stock and sell a large range of Tyres, Batteries and Brakes, and also offer brake Hose Manufacturing. Come in and see our friendly staff to receive some of the best automotive service in Port Pirie! 

Thompsons Auto Repairs have recently hired a new mechanic which means  an increased capacity to handle more general car services. This allows us to bring to our customers even more of the great service they have grown to know and trust.

Thompsons Auto Repairs care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU28144). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health.

Your one stop auto repair shop in Port Pirie, Thompsons Auto Repairs specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. Our Port Pirie Workshop is very well placed to service vehicles in Port Broughton, Napperby, Port Germein, Gladstone, Laura, Peterborough and the surrounding areas. Our qualified mechanics are more than capable of carrying out all vehicle services and repairs! Affordable custom made sports systems to suit any make or model, drop in to our shop for a free estimate!

If it's a service or repair your car needs before a trip away or regular vehicle servicing, head in and see the team at Thompsons Auto Repairs. Family owned and operated, Michaeland Suzanne Harre have been in business for thirty years and at Thompsons Auto Repairs since 2012 and they're happy to help with all your automotive needs - don't forget Buster the friendly dog at reception.

Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands, and we provide quality car service and repairs on all models, including four wheel drive and Diesel vehicles.

Our mechanics are fully qualified to carry out full log book servicing and as a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

Thompsons Auto Repairs are also an Xforce Authorised Dealer, BrakeQuip (we fabricate custom and OEM brake lines and hoses), and are a Kumho tyre dealer.

So rest assured that with a Thompsons Auto Repairs mechanic in charge of your car service you are in the safest of hands.

For friendly car service from a trusted independent mechanic, you can rely on the team at Thompsons Auto Repairs

For friendly car service from a trusted independent mechanic, you can rely on the team at Thompsons Auto Repairs / Centre Radiators...

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Port Pirie

Brake fluid transfers the pressure you put on the brake pedal through to the actual brakes.
Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work. As everyone knows - not having brakes is a huge problem! In fact even slightly affected brakes are very dangerous.


Brake fluid absorbs moisture very easily. Brake fluids are also subject to very high temperatures and so they are designed to have a high boiling point to stop them from boiling and evaporating- when brake fluid has accumulated too much moisture- this lowers its boiling point and it can boil off more easily causing low levels. Low levels of brake fluid affect your braking performance and could mean your car will fail to stop.
Brake Fluid that has absorbed too much moisture will also shorten the life of your braking system including damaging the callipers, wheel cylinders and anti-lock braking systems.

Why is brake fluid replacement necessary?

Your manufacturer's log book will advise how regularly your brake fluid should be changed or flushed, we recommend a drain and replacement every two years however it is wise to have it regularly checked by an expert at every service to make sure the levels are not reducing too fast (a sign of a leak) or that the moisture levels have not reached a point that could be damaging your system.

How often should I replace my brake fluid?

At Thompsons Auto Repairs we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, callipers and cylinders and more. This inspection helps to identify any issues in your vehicle which should be addressed and our mechanics will certainly advise you if they feel your vehicle might need a brake fluid replacement, or an out of schedule brake system service or repairs.

Do you check the brake fluids during a car service?

Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work.

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it? 

Unroadworthy tyres are unsafe, illegal and basically cost you money

Thompsons Auto Repairs are the professionals in Port Pirie when it comes to the supply, fitting, repair and maintenance of tyres for a range of vehicle types. You should have your tyres checked by a professional on a regular basis to ensure the safety, comfort and reliability of your vehicle in addition to the life span of your tyres.

The braking system cannot work to its maximum performance if the tyres are worn or otherwise unsuitable for the car or type of driving you undertake.

If you are experiencing unusual vibrations, poor handling of the vehicle, have problems keeping tyres at the correct pressure, have low tyre tread or can see obvious damage to your tyres, you should probably have your tyres checked by experts such as the service team from Thompsons Auto Repairs.

New tyres, a wheel alignment and wheel balancing go hand in hand to ensure good handling and maximising the expected lifespan of your new tyres. Thompsons Auto Repairs are experts at inspecting and maintaining tyres and related components and can give you good advice on purchasing the correct tyres for your car.

So if you need new tyres, a wheel balance or wheel alignment or just a simple bit of wheel related advice, perhaps it is time to pop in to our Port Pirie workshop for some expert advice.

High quality, good condition tyres are an important part of the ‘Safety Triangle' of Shock absorbers, brakes and tyres. As their main role is keeping your car in contact with the road they play a vital role in the stopping power of your car. Thompsons Auto Repairs are tyre & wheel professionals…

Tyre and wheel service in Port Pirie

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Thompsons Auto Repairs include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Port Pirie workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Port Pirie

Brake and Clutch

For your convenience, our workshop will be open for business right through the Christmas period, except for public holidays

Thompsons Auto Repairs / Centre Radiators take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times.

Conveniently located in Port Pirie, Thompsons Auto Repairs / Centre Radiators is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

Thompsons Auto Repairs / Centre Radiators  have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring only the very best in automotive care.

Thompsons Auto Repairs

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Why replacing your brake pads is important

Getting Ready for winter driving

Car service in Port Pirie

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it?

Tyre & wheel service in Port Pirie