With more horsepower being delivered at the wheels of today's modern vehicles, the demand on the vehicle's braking and drive systems have increased significantly.

In 2000, asbestos was removed from all braking systems and has been replaced with various compounds ranging from semi metallic to organic compounds. This means that the brake systems now generate more heat than previously and this has changed the way brakes are serviced as well as how often.

To increase braking efficiency, vehicles are often fitted with softer brake rotors and harder compound brake pads. This does improve the braking efficiency but it does mean the systems have to be maintained more often.

At Duca Automotive your brakes are visually inspected for:

• Fluid leaks
• Brake hose inspection
• Brake shoe/pad wear
• Brake drum/rotor wear
• Condition of brake fluid
• Mechanical operation
• Hydraulic operation
• Hand brake operation
• If your vehicle is fitted with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) this system is also tested and reported on.

Duca Automotive makes it a rule to always advise our customers of any required repairs & costs involved. If you have any concerns about your braking system please discuss them when you book in your vehicle.

NB: Rotors and drums have a strict legal wear limit to ensure safe operation so do not machine beyond these limits, doing so places your safety and the vehicles insurance cover at risk.

Your vehicle's brake discs are one of the most vital operating systems of your vehicle. By understanding a little more about how the brake discs work, you'll realise the importance of regular checks and servicing:

• Wheel bearing grease must be applied to the wheel hubs to help reduce heat generated by frequent applications of the brakes.
• The calliper has one or more hydraulic cylinders containing pistons. Each time you press the brake pedal, the pistons exert pressure on the brake pads.
• Brake pads are metal plates with a bonded lining of friction material. As the lining material wears down, the metal pad moves closer to the disc. Brake pads should be replaced when less than 3mm from the disc.
• Retaining pins hold the brake pads in the calliper. New split pins are always fitted during replacement.
• The brake disc can be easily scored and damaged if the metal plate comes into contact with the brake disc. When below certain tolerances it must be replaced.
• A bleed nipple is provided to ensure that any air entering the hydraulic lines is "bled" off. Even a small amount of air in the system will severely impair the operation of the brakes.