Any auto mechanic, repair shop or just a good driver can tell you that one of the most important features of a car are the brakes. A brake system that functions properly is the very essence of safe driving.

To successfully complete a brake job, any good auto mechanic, repair shop or a qualified person doing it will first do a complete inspection of your brake system. This inspection will include even the antilock brake system if your vehicle has it equipped.

Any auto repair shop defines "complete brake job" as checking, replacing and fixing all the necessary things that are needed for your brakes to function properly. This saves both money and time since if you get things done properly there will be less chance that something might fail in the near future.

The most important thing is that your brake job needs to last. A poorly performed brake job can only cause you more stress, will cost more and will take away your free time.

Any good auto mechanic, repair shop or a professional in the field will make sure to examine your brake system in complete detail in order to give you the status report on what needs to be fixed, replaced, and so on. It could be that your brake system needs replacing of wheel cylinders, high mileage calipers, disc and drums, rotors or even replacing the brake fluid. A professional auto repair shop will not overlook similar items and will surely do their best to get the work done properly.

On the first glance, these small things in your brake system cannot have an immediate impact on how your brakes will function. However, just one wrong thing at the wrong time may cause some serious damage and risk. Therefore it is essential to have your brake job done by reputable auto mechanic, repair shop or a trustworthy person in the field of auto mechanics. The brake job shouldn’t be done poorly by all means, even if you think it will save you some money.

When it comes to the brake system there are many things you can check before heading to the auto repair shop. For example, you could start by applying the brakes and starting your engine. By doing this you will be able to check your vacuum booster. Your pedal needs to drop to a small extent. If this isn’t the case and you notice that there is no boost, you can be sure that your booster diaphragm is leaky.

Try to check out a few more things before visiting your preferred auto repair shop and seeking assistance. It is good to know things in advance.

Another thing on the list when it comes to the brake pedal is the feel of it. The pedal needs to be firm and not soft. If the pedal is too soft it may indicate that there is some air in the lines or that there are some possible leaks. If your master cylinder is worn out a typical symptom you will notice is that your pedal will slowly sink once pressed. If a pedal is too low it could mean that your linings are worn, a frozen or defective drum brake, low level of fluid or simply that it needs to be adjusted. It is good to check the brake lights as well. If these lights don’t work, check if the light bulbs are still good. Otherwise, this could indicate that your switch for the brake light is not adjusted proper or is somewhat defective.

After these few checks, you will have a basic knowledge on what could be wrong with your brake system and you will save some time at the auto repair shop.