Brakes

Learn how to check and fix the brakes on your car or truck, and find out more about brake pads, brake fluid and more.

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How Car Brakes Work and How to Tell When They Go Bad

Learn how your brakes slow and stop your car, and how to tell if your brakes aren't working properly.

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Why Brake Fluid Goes Bad

While all the fluids in our vehicles are essential, brake fluid plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and...


DOT 3 vs. DOT 4 Brake Fluid: What’s the Difference?

DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid are the most common in vehicles today. Yes, there is a difference. So...


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What to Know About Brake Pad Replacement and Repair

How to get a good brake job and save $1,000 over the life of your car. Here are tips for...


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How To Clean Brake Dust Off Rims

Are your car's wheels looking grungy? Chances are it's brake dust buildup. Here's how to clean brake dust off rims...

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What To Know About Brake Dust

Brake dust residue can be unsightly and damage brake hardware and expensive wheels. What is brake dust? We've got answers.


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Upgrade Your Garage with the DeWalt Socket Wrench Set: We Approve!

If you're like me and would rather DIY your car or small engine maintenance, check out this compact and durable...

How Do Motorcycle Brakes Work?

Knowing how your motorcycle brakes work helps you become a better driver. Here's what happens on your bike when you...


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20 Bad Auto Habits Your Mechanic Wants You to Stop Doing

Keep your mechanic happy by not doing these things to your vehicle.


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Why Do My Brakes Lock Up When Trying to Stop?

Brakes locking up, whether in an emergency or while simply slowing down, can be a frightening experience. Here's what you...


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Why Do My Brakes Keep Grinding?

If you hear your brakes grinding, something is wrong. Here are four likely causes for the noise and what you...

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How to Change a Brake Light

Got a brake light that's not working? In less time than it takes to drive to the auto repair shop,...


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Why Are My Car Brakes Making Noise?

Unusual noise coming from your brakes is a warning that one of your car's most critical safety systems is malfunctioning....


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Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

Brake squeal is a common problem often caused by worn brake hardware, pads, or rotor finish. But are squeaky brakes...


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Top Bad Brake Booster Symptoms

Knowing the most common bad brake booster symptoms gives you early warning that the safety of your vehicle is at...


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How to Change Rear Brake Pads

Maintaining disc brakes is a perfect opportunity for DIYers to get their hands dirty and save a few hundred dollars.

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What Is a Brake Caliper (And How To Tell if Mine is Bad)?

If your car is equipped with disc brakes, brake calipers are critical to slowing and stopping your car. Here's what...


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How Often Should You Change Your Brake Pads?

Determining how often you should change your brake pads is not rocket science. Your ears will provide the answer if...


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Brake Caliper Paint Pointers

Brake caliper paint does not affect performance, but it does affect the appearance of a vehicle with expensive rims. What...


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What Is a Brake Light Switch and When Should You Replace It?

The brake light switch on your vehicle serves an important safety function. Learn how to test it and determine when...


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Causes and DIY Fixes for Smoking Brakes

What does it mean when your brakes are smoking? Learn the causes and DIY fixes for smoking brakes along with...


How to Check Brakes

Diagnose brake problems yourself


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A Step-by-Step Guide on Struts Replacement

Replace struts yourself and save $300


How To Flush and Replace Brake Fluid

Brake fluid goes bad. Flushing old brake fluid and replacing it with new keeps your brakes working safely.


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Brake Pad Replacement Cost and Repair – Avoid Getting Ripped Off

How to get a good brake job and save $1,000 over the life of your car. Here are tips for...

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How to Change Brake Pads

How to change brake pads is simpler than replacing rear disc brakes. If you have experience with basic repair brake...


How to Check Brake Fluid

Make sure the corrosion inhibitor in your brake fluid hasn't worn out


How to Save Money: Replace Brake Rotors

A couple weeks ago, I drove my wife's car for the first time in a while.