When your brakes start to squeal, your mind immediately goes to the cost of replacing them—but that’s not always necessary. Sometimes the scary noise is caused by brake dust. When that’s the case, a good cleaning can solve your brake issues. While the process does require a bit of work, it’s entirely possible. Keeping your brakes clean can help extend the life of your brakes.

Step One: Raise Your Car

You will need to get under the car, so use a garage hoist to lift up the car. If you don’t have one, you can use jack stands. You’ll need more than one. Do not ever leave the car on the jack; put it on a jack stand, so you don’t risk the car falling on you. If you can raise all four wheels at once, that’s ideal, but if not you will need to repeat the process at all four wheels.

Step Two: Get Your Equipment

Make sure you have appropriate brake cleaner, eye protection, and a container to catch the debris and spray that falls from the brakes as you clean. Make sure you are disposing of the used brake spray according to your local regulations. Brake spray is toxic, so it must be dealt with carefully.

Step Three: Clean the Brakes – Safely

After reading the cleaner’s instructions carefully, spray the hubs, rotors, lining, fasteners, cylinders, springs, and drums. Do not get any on painted surfaces, rubber, or plastic. Use a wire brush to clean the brakes and then either let them air dry or wipe them down with a rag. Severely dirty brakes may need more than one spray down.

If you are still experiencing issues with your brakes, The Brake Squad will come to you for mobile brake repair in Alexandria, VA. Contact us today to schedule a service!