Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Metcalfe Automotive Centre, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Metcalfe Automotive Centre, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Metcalfe Automotive Centre in Northmead. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Metcalfe Automotive Centre is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Metcalfe Automotive Centre in Northmead know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Metcalfe Automotive Centre in Northmead we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason

Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering

If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact your local mechanics at Metcalfe Automotive Centre today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Northmead workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

As the cooler months draw in, ensuring your vehicle is prepped for winter and wet weather driving becomes not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for safety. 

From decreased visibility to slippery roads, the challenges of driving in such conditions demand that your vehicle is in top shape. At Metcalfe Automotive Centre, we understand the importance of thorough car safety checks and maintenance. 

The lifeblood of your vehicle, fluids, need special attention during the winter. This includes ensuring your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are all at optimal levels and suitable for lower temperatures. The right type of fluids will prevent freezing and ensure that your car operates smoothly.

Visibility is paramount in adverse weather conditions. Wiper blades that are in good condition can be the difference between seeing and guessing in the middle of a downpour or a snowstorm. Have your wipers checked and replaced if they are worn out to maintain clear visibility.

The heating system in your car is not just for comfort; it’s vital for defrosting and demisting your windscreen and windows for clear visibility. Ensure your car's heating system is efficiently working, which also implies checking the defroster and ensuring your cabin air filters are clean and free from obstruction.

Tyres are your car's only contact with the road, making their condition critical for safe driving. In wet or snowy conditions, the tread depth becomes even more crucial as it aids in dispersing water and preventing aquaplaning. Check your tyres for proper inflation, uneven wear, and sufficient tread depth. Winter tyres or all-season tyres are recommended for improved traction and safety.

Wet and icy roads can significantly increase stopping distances. Ensuring your brake system is functioning optimally is crucial to avoid accidents. This includes checking brake pads, rotors, fluid, and the overall brake system to ensure they are in top condition.

At Metcalfe Automotive Centre, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive car safety checks, servicing, and repairs. Our expert team is here to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the rigors of winter and wet weather driving, offering peace of mind on every journey. 

Given the increase in demand as the seasons change, we advise booking your service as early as possible—we are booked up to 2 weeks in advance, highlighting our trusted service within the Northmead community.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Taking proactive steps to ensure your car is winter-ready not only safeguards your safety but can also prevent costly repairs down the line. Contact Metcalfe Automotive Centre today to schedule your car safety check and get ready to tackle winter and wet weather driving with confidence.

As the cooler months draw in, ensuring your vehicle is prepped for winter and wet weather driving becomes not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for safety.

Get Your Car Winter Ready with Metcalfe Automotive Centre in Northmead

Get Your Car Winter Ready with Metcalfe Automotive Centre

As your local Mechanic in Northmead, Metcalfe Automotive Centre take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs

Metcalfe Automotive Centre (MVRL47697) specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. 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 drives and diesel vehicles. 

Metcalfe Automotive Centre care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU25288). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. 

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. 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.

So rest assured... your car is in safe hands.

For friendly service from a trusted independent, you can rely on the team at Metcalfe Automotive Centre

As your local Mechanic in Northmead, Metcalfe Automotive Centre take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. (MVRL47697)

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Northmead

Regarding brakes, you should not leave it to the point that brake repairs are actually required

Routine inspections like our 65 point vehicle report, which is carried out as part of all full car services carried out at Metcalfe Automotive Centre, are vital in confirming the brakes are performing as expected. Our expert mechanics can advise you if they suspect that repair or service of your vehicle's brakes are a wise move to avoid it becoming a larger problem.

Brake services we undertake at Metcalfe Automotive Centre include:

Brake Disc/Rotor And Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you become aware of any warning signals that your vehicle's braking system could be overdue for a servicing book online and have your braking system inspected at our Northmead car service centre today.

Get more information about Brake Services from Repco Authorised Service Here.

Find a Brake Service in Northmead NSW. For immediately superior braking performance insist on next generation Repco RCT pads and a nationwide warranty …

Brake maintenance service and repairs in Northmead

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 Metcalfe Automotive Centre 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 Northmead workshop today.

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

Brake and Clutch Service in Northmead

Brake and Clutch

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Metcalfe Automotive Centre (LIC# MVRL47697) take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 
		
Conveniently located in Northmead, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 
		
Metcalfe Automotive Centre 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 the very best in automotive care.

Metcalfe Automotive Centre

Brake and clutch

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Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

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Get Your Car Winter Ready with Metcalfe Automotive Centre

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