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 in Wanaka 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 Hose Replacement

Your brake hose is what connects your hardlines to your brake caliper. They’re softer and more able to move so that they won’t leak or get damaged as your car goes over bumps or turns corners. They are essential to your braking performance and any leaks or damage should be fixed as soon as possible.

Handbrake Cable Replacement

You may be able to hill start without one, but the good old handbrake plays an important role in keeping your parked car in one place. Nowadays the handbrake cable takes on a couple of different guises. More and more modern cars have button handbrakes, while some vehicles use foot brakes. The cable behind the scenes is there regardless, either connected directly to the lever or to an electric motor (for button operated models). When engaged the cable activates the rear brakes of your car, either by directly engaging the brake shoes or for vehicles with rear disc brakes it is attached to a brake caliper.

It is possible to over-tighten a brake cable, leading to brake rubbing and shortening the life of the vehicle’s brakes.

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.

Rear Brake Rotor Replacement

A rear brake rotor is that disc behind your wheel. Called a ‘rotor’ because it rotates with the wheels as it is connected directly to the hub assembly. It is usually made out of a steel composite material that is designed to withstand large loads and temperatures. This is because with the friction that comes from the pads pressing against them, comes a lot of heat and pressure.

So it’s as they go about their job and get put through these high temperatures they do wear down. Your brakes get thorough workouts every time you drive so they are expected to wear out eventually.