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 Jackmans Garage 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? 

Jackmans Garage are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our Nationwide Warranty.

Your brake pads are an important component of your braking system and they are a part that you shouldn't ignore. Brake pads compress against your brake rotors to create friction which in turn causes your car to stop. Your brake pads work really hard, really often. The amount of pressure that is required of them to stop a moving vehicle is huge and generates a lot of heat, which gradually erodes the brake pads.

Worn brake pads result in ineffective braking, which is dangerous for you and others. That is why regular inspection and testing of your brake pad's condition is necessary.

We can provide inspection, repair or replacement of many brake components such as:

Brake repairs are what many people consider when it comes to being safe, but thinking about brake maintenance is far more central to your safety. Properly maintained brakes shouldnt require repairs. 

How do I know when it's time for a brake pad replacement?

Squealing brakes can be an indicator that your brake pads are due for an assessment many pads have a small metal piece implanted in them which will scratch on the disc when your brake pads are degraded, causing that high pitch noise. However, it isn't a reason to wait until you hear noises to get your pads checked, we advise having your brakes inspected at every service.

It is important to remember that unusual brake sounds are not just caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

At Jackmans Garage we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with every car service. As part of our Vehicle Inspection Report we inspect the brake pads for wear and advise you if they want replacing. We can also recommend the right pad for your local conditions and driving style.

How often should I replace my brake pads ?

Brake Pads can can last anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's. This is dependant on a number of factors such as: driving conditions and style, regular heavy loads. If your brake pads are wearing out too often your mechanic might advise using a special heavy duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

Some things are best left to an expert and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as essential to your safety as your braking system.

Your brake pads are an important component of your braking system and they are a part that you shouldn't ignore...

Brake service, repairs and testing in Moonah

When it comes to brake safety - we don't stop - so you are able to when you need to.

Brake repairs are what many people consider when it comes to being safe, but thinking about correct brake maintenance is far more important to your safety.

Obviously, your brakes are there to stop your car under normal operation, but they really become important when you need to stop quickly and safely, such as in an emergency situation.

The last thing you need is to realise that your brakes need attention because you were unable to stop in time when you really needed to. Properly maintained brakes shouldn't require repairs.

Jackmans garage are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty.

You should be aware of the importance of clean Brake Fluid.

Water can accumulate in the fluid which affects braking efficiency, increases the corrosion of brake system components and can actually lead to total brake failure. Clean brake fluid not only protects your safety, it also prolongs the life of your braking system components by preventing corrosion.

Brake pads - are yours up to the task of stopping you in time?

Worn brake pads result in ineffective braking, which is dangerous for you and others. That is why regular inspection and testing of your brake pad's condition is necessary. It is important to remember that unusual brake sounds are not just caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

Brake Pad Replacement in Moonah

Stopping a car goes well beyond just pushing the brake pedal

When it comes to stopping your car in a safe and efficient manner you should always be aware of the importance of clean, good condition brake fluid.

You might be inclined to think that as long as you keep your brake fluid topped up to the manufacturers recommendations that you don't need to have the brake system flushed on a regular basis, but unfortunately this is not entirely true.

Over time water can accumulate in brake fluid, gradually degrading it's ability to perform it's crucial role in keeping you safe. This gradual build-up can affect braking efficiency, increase the amount of corrosion occurring in brake system components and can even lead to total brake failure under the right (or wrong) circumstances. Properly monitored and maintained brake fluid not only protects your safety it also prolongs the life of your braking system components by reducing the effect of corrosion on your brake system.

Properly monitored and maintained brake fluid not only protects your safety it also prolongs the life of your braking system components by reducing the effect of corrosion on your brake system.

A brake fluid flush can be performed as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we might recommend one outside of a regular schedule if we feel it's necessary, particularly where it may present a safety related issue. We are always happy to discuss the reasons why with you.

Cost of a brake fluid flush depends on the vehicle type and whether there are additional parts, repairs or maintenance needed to complete the task. While we are working on your brake system, for your safety we will also check the calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake lines, and master cylinder for any faults or signs of wear that need to be addressed and advise you if necessary. 

You can rest assured that if we do notice something that needs extra attention during the flushing procedure which will affect our quote, or more importantly your safety, we will always call you to confirm before proceeding any further. If you would like to know more about the costs involved in a brake fluid flush just give our friendly staff a call to discuss your car and get a quote. 

After the car is placed on a hoist and the wheels are removed in preparation, the actual brake system flush begins with the complete removal of the old fluid from the master cylinder. Then the cylinder is filled with fresh new, quality brake fluid of the correct type. Then, each brake is 'bled' and the clean fluid flushes through the system, completely replacing the old. We will also check over the brake system for any signs of damage or wear that needs attention and advise you if necessary.

What is actually done during a brake fluid flush?

Just because it looks clean - that doesn't mean the brake fluid is actually in good condition. Like most things brake fluid will degrade over time. When there is water accumulated in the brake fluid, it might not be visible, but it can still cause the boiling point of the brake fluid to drop. If the fluid boils it can cause loss of braking pressure or even sudden and unexpected brake failure. A visual inspection is not always going to tell you if there is dangerous amounts of water in your brake fluid, only a professional boiling point test can tell you this.

The brake fluid looks OK - how can I tell my brakes need flushing

The general guideline is every two years - but it is important to note that these are recommendations only and it is safest to have a qualified professional mechanic inspect and assess the condition of your brake fluid on a regular basis.

So how regularly should I have my brake fluid changed ?

At Jackmans Garage 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, calipers and cylinders and more. This Vehicle Inspection Report lets you know if there is immediate or future need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to be safe or budget in advance.

Brake Fluid Flush in Moonah

Ever find yourself in the situation where changing gears is either becoming difficult or even almost impossible? 

Perhaps you can change gears but there are unusual noises or some difficulty in doing so? If this happens to be the case there is a pretty good chance you might be facing issues with your clutch.

Clutch issues may be caused by a broken flywheel, faulty clutch plate or leaky hoses. Symptoms include grinding or chirping noises, problems getting into or changing gears and clutch sticking. 

Similar to your brakes, your clutch uses a plate with friction material which gets worn over time and must be replaced. This procedure is a normal part of maintaining your vehicle but you might also encounter unexpected problems.

If you notice any of the symptoms above, or any indications that something seems wrong when trying to change gears, bring your vehicle in for an inspection before it gets any worse. We are located in Moonah and regularly service the vehicles of customers in the surrounding areas as well.

Exceptional Care: As a part of the Repco Authorised Service network of mechanics we have all the latest diagnostic equipment to keep your car running at optimal performance

Peace of Mind: We offer the peace of mind that comes with the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty, along with the friendly service you get when dealing with a local car service workshop

Education: Not only do our mechanics attend regular ongoing seminars and check the latest service bulletins, they are always available to help our clients learn more about what is going on with their car

The most noticeable problems for a poorly performing or worn clutch is loss of drive, slipping or shuddering when starting off. The clutch can wear out through normal wear and tear but this can be made worse by regular heavy towing, faulty components, incorrect operation or other factors (such as training a new driver who has a tendency to ride the clutch). You should never have to feel like you are not safe on the road. Our team is well versed in all clutch issues, such as:

Clutch plate Friction Material Worn causing slippage and or shudder

Pressure plate diaphragm spring broken causing hard selection of gears

Faulty thrust release and spigot Bearings causing hard selection or slippage

Fluid leaks Reducing Hydraulic Pressure causing hard selection

Broken or poorly adjusted Clutch Cable causing hard selection or slippage

For a high quality Clutch Service at a competitive price, contact Jackmans Garage. We are located at 94-96 Gormanston Road and service many customers in Moonah and the surrounding areas.

Ever find yourself in the situation where changing gears is either becoming difficult or even almost impossible? Perhaps you can change gears but there are unusual noises or some difficulty in doing so...

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicle's normal driving operation.

Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your vehicle needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop running but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that permits this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power between the wheels and the engine to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles will have a clutch that operates hydraulically - when you press the clutch pedal the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. A leak in the clutch system can cause all kinds of problems in your vehicle - so it is very important to monitor it regularly.

At Jackmans Garage we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report - which you can request as part of every car service. If we find a problem or leak in your clutch we will include this in our written report or let you know directly if we feel it needs immediate attention.

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing?

A Burnt 'toast' or 'burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Vehicle seems to be slipping out of gear for no reason

There is jerky or sticky gear operation when changing gears

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

If your clutch is showing any of the symptoms above - it can mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because depending on the vehicle and type of engine, many different issues can cause the same symptoms, .

The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is call us at Jackmans Garage today. We can perform Clutch service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Moonah workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicle's normal driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your vehicle needs to stop?

Clutch Service and Repairs in Moonah

The constant velocity joint, or CV joint, connects your transmission to your wheels. When working properly this part ensures a smooth and constant rotation of the wheels while you are turning corners, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride.

If there are issues such as a cracked or torn boot or not enough high pressure grease, then the CV joint can fail. Symptoms include poor handling around corners, vibrating or an audible clicking sound whilst cornering.

Contact us at the first sign of trouble because repairing a torn boot and refilling the grease is a relatively cheap and easy procedure but if you leave it you could end up with a failed joint which needs to be replaced. 

Peace of Mind: We offer the peace of mind which comes from the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty along with the friendly service which comes from dealing with a neighbourhood shop

Education: Not only are our mechanics attending ongoing seminars and checking service bulletins, but they are always available to help our clients learn more about what is going on with their car

Cv services and repairs we offer include :

High Pressure Grease re-filling (this goes in the boot)

Typical symptoms & causes of cv joint or boot problems

Clicking sound when turning which may be caused from a loss of the high pressure grease due to a cracked boot

Growling when the vehicle is in motion due to a broken or loose CV joint

Vibrations when accelerating due to a worn joint

For a high quality CV Joint & Boot Service at a competitive price, contact us using the links below. 

Cv joint & boot servicing in Moonah

At Jackmans Garage in Moonah we provide log book service that protects your statutory warranty for a range of makes and models, including Volkswagen and All Japanese and South Korean Vehicles, as well as the following Popular Makes:

You have the right to choose a mechanic for car service. Simply book a service for your car or contact Jackmans Garage, tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

Jackmans Garage deliver log book service and more on a wide range of makes and models right here in Moonah - just call in and see us and tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

Worried about your your manufacturers warranty? You shouldn't be. As a Car owner you are allowed the right to establish which service centre conducts your log book service without worrying about losing your right to a statutory warranty. You don't have to travel across town to get to a dealership or pay inflated prices. Find out more about your rights on our New Car Service page.

As your Tasmanian car service in Moonah, Jackmans Garage also services all Japanese and Korean makes and models, plus many more - simply book in or call us for a free estimate! 

Makes & Models we service, Log book service in Moonah

Makes & Models Jackmans Garage service, Log book service in Moonah

Undercar covers exhaust, brakes, steering and suspension.

All of these items should be inspected at every service and any problems rectified on the spot. However, these are the items that will let you know if anything is unhealthy with the vehicle. Usually you should be alerted by strange noises - rattles, clangs, squeals or loud exhaust. Sometimes you will know there is an issue if you notice brake pulsation, steering vibration or tyres squealing on cornering. Any such signs need reporting to Jackmans Garage ASAP.  

You will generally be alerted to the fact that there is a problem under the car or that you may need attention or a service in this area due to unusual loud exhaust noises or rust at the tips.  Perhaps you would just like a change in the exhaust note.

Undercar work is a specialist trade. Jackmans Garage have a dedicated and experienced Technician who focuses just on this area.

Jackmans Garage wish you Safe Motoring...

Undercar Repairs in Moonah

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 Jackmans Garage 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 Moonah workshop today.

Brake and clutch service in Moonah

TACC

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We advise that our workshop will be closed for Australia Day, Regatta Day, and Hobart Show Day

"YOUR EXPECTATIONS MET ....... NO SURPRISES"	

Jackmans ensures that YOU receive the very best of attention and understanding.	

Conveniently located in Moonah, they have a wealth of experience in the service and repair of the modern car and light commercial vehicle.

The business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with the needs of modern vehicles.

Jackmans Garage

Brake and clutch

Related articles

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

What is stopping you?

Stopping a car goes well beyond just pushing the brake pedal

Regular flushing saves lives

Get your gear on

Just what is a Clutch?

Cv joint & boot servicing

Makes and models in Moonah

Undercar Repairs