If your brake fluid is black or brown My Auto Shop can get it sorted with a Brake Inspection. Simply leave as many details about the issue as you can and we will contact local MTA approved mechanics that are qualified to fix the underlying issue. We'll email you quotes for an inspection within 2 working days, and where possible provide an indication as to the likely underlying issue(s) and cost to fix. You can book directly on the My Auto Shop platform in minutes.

How a Brake Inspection works with My Auto Shop:

A qualified mechanic will check over your entire braking system to understand whats causing the issue. This includes checking of the brake fluid for contamination, brake lines, and removing the wheels to measure the thickness of the brake pads, rotors or shoes (if applicable).

The following components are looked at during a Brake Inspection:

- Brake pads and shoes

- Hydraulic fluid

- Rotor and drum wear

- Calipers

- Wheel cylinders

- All brake hardware

- All hoses and lines

- Master cylinder

- Anti-lock system

They will then quote up any repairs or replacement parts if required.

When your brake fluid is black or brown its often as a result of a:

• Moisture contamination problem
• Aging oil, this is quite normal
• Deteriorated rubber hose

Popular services linked to a Brake Inspection:

Brake Fluid Flush

A spongy pedal feel, increased stopping distance or a WoF failure are all things that can come about from needing a brake fluid flush. Rather than get into an accident, get your system flushed to get some peace of mind.

Brake Wheel Cylinder Replacement

A brake wheel cylinder is part of the braking system for vehicles with drum brakes. They are often replaced with the car's brake shoes and always in pairs i.e. both sides. The brake wheel cylinder is activated by hydraulic brake fluid which forces the brake shoes against the drum when the brakes are applied.

It is important that the brakes are adjusted and that the brake fluid system is bled to remove any air to ensure that the brake performance is maintained following a brake wheel cylinder replacement.

Brake Caliper Replacement

The brake caliper is what slows your car down when you push on the brake pedal. It uses the magics of hydraulics to force the brake pad up against the brake rotor. This friction of the two is what slows the wheel and the car down.

Unless you’re a real racer on the streets, your brake calipers should only need to be changed if something goes wrong. They aren’t something that normally wears out, that’s what the brake pads and rotors are designed for.

Brake Shoe Replacement

Most modern cars use disc brakes on all four corners. However, older cars and even some modern ones, use drum brakes. Inside drum brakes are shoes. These shoes press against the spinning drum and slow you down via friction. They were most commonly used on the rear wheels as they don’t require as much braking force.