Brake Services at your home
Don’t compromise your safety. Get your brakes working again with our best-in-class brake repair services.
“The company responds within an hour and dispatches a mechanic shortly after with all the tools and parts required to repair the vehicle onsite.”
-GLOBE AND MAIL
“Taking a unique approach to vehicle repairs in the same way ‘Uber’ changed the taxi industry”
-CTV NEWS
“InstaMek is an on-demand service that allows vehicle owners to request and schedule a meeting with a fully certified mobile mechanic.”
-CBC NEWS
How this system works
Cars have brakes on all four wheels, which are operated by a hydraulic system. Your foot on the pedal pushes the brake pedal and the force exerted by your leg is amplified several times by mechanical leverage. It is further amplified by the action of the brake booster. A piston moves into the cylinder and squeezes the hydraulic fluid out of the end. Hydraulic brake fluid is forced around the entire braking system and pressure is transmitted equally to all four brakes. The force creates friction between brake pads and disc brake rotors, which in turn stops your vehicle.
Brake Pad Replacement Service
What are brake pads and how do they work?
Brake pads contain friction material that’s bonded to a sturdy steel backing plate. When you push on the brake pedal, then the friction material onto the brake pads is pushed against the outer and inner surfaces of the steel brake rotor under enormous pressure. The resulting friction causes the wheels on your vehicle to slow quickly allowing for a fast, secure and controlled stop. After tens of thousands of kilometres, then this conductive material finally wears away, and the brake rotor wears away as well, requiring replacement.
How much does it cost to replace brake pads?
We offer transparent pricing and brake pads for every budget. Brake pad cost is typically between $65 to $75 depending on your vehicle. We carry basic budget conscious brake pads to high-end performance pads to fleet pads for heavy duty use. Call us or get an online quote for your brake pad replacement that fits your budget and needs.
When to replace brake pads?
Here are several signs that you need new brake pads:
- Wear indicator on vehicle dashboard. Most newer cars today have electronics built into the brake pad and when the pad is at a point that it needs to be replaced, a symbol will appear on your vehicle dashboard’s instrument cluster. Consult your owner’s manual to learn what the symbol looks like.
- High pitched squeal when braking. When the friction material on the pads is worn close to the backing plate, you may hear a squealing or squeaking noise as you drive regardless of whether you are applying the brakes or not. That squealing or squeaking noise is designed to make you aware that the brake pads are getting low and need to be inspected.
- Grinding noise when braking. If all of the friction material on the brake pad has been worn away, you will hear grinding and scraping noises when you apply the brakes. Pad replacement is mandatory at this point and the vehicle is unsafe to drive until corrected.
- Brake pedal pulsation or vehicle vibration.
- Vehicle pulling or wandering on braking. If your car pulls to the right or left during braking, that could be a sign of a sticking brake caliper, misalignment of the suspension, and sometimes tire defects or uneven tire inflation from side-to-side. The mechanic who inspects your vehicle will determine if new brake pads alone will resolve the issue or if other repairs are needed.
- High mileage on existing pads. Every 16,000 km, a mechanic should measure the thickness of the remaining friction material on the brake pads and perform a thorough visual inspection of the braking system.
- Brake system warning lights and/or maintenance reminder messages. Should your brake system warning light ever illuminates, or a brake system related maintenance reminder message appears in the driver information display, have your vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
How do mechanics replace brake pads?
Normally, pad replacement requires these steps:
- Confirm the thickness of the remaining friction material on the brake pads. If the remaining friction material is less than 2 mm in thickness, pad replacement is warranted.
- Visually inspect the brake rotor surface that contacts the pad (for scoring, pitting, grooves, rust) and measure the brake rotor with precision tools for thickness variation, run-out and warpage.
- Inspect the caliper, torque plate, pads, and rotors to determine if the caliper is operating freely (i.e., inspect for stuck calipers).
Install new pads and any additional recommended components (e.g., rotors, if rotors depart from OEM specifications) only with customer approval of course. - Lubricate brake system components, such as caliper sliding pins, and inspect the condition of the brake fluid. Top off brake fluid as required.
- Perform a basic 50 point safety inspection of your vehicle.
- Finally, the mechanic will test drive your vehicle to confirm normal operation of the brake system.
Is it safe to drive with a brake pad problem?
When it comes to the brakes on your car, always err on the side of caution and have a mechanic check your brake pads and braking system at the very first sign of a problem. Further driving is not recommended and you should request service at your earliest convenience when any of the following conditions exist:
- stopping distances are much greater than what you are accustomed to
- the brake pedal is not firm or is low
- there is loss of braking power assist
- the vehicle pulls severely to one side on braking
- the brake system warning light is on
Should you detect unusual noises, such as squealing or grinding, but stopping distances are close to everything you’re used to, and the brake pedal is firm, and there are no warning lights, it may be safe to proceed to your destination but schedule service at your earliest convenience.
Keep in mind when replacing brake pads:
Brake pads must always be replaced as a set, that is both wheels (driver and passenger side) on an axle, front or rear, must be serviced. If brake pads on only one side of the car were replaced, your car might pull to one side when you apply the brakes. Often, resurfacing or replacement of the brake rotors is also necessary and a competent mechanic will always measure for wear and damage to the brake rotors and advise you as to whether rotor replacement or re-surfacing is also needed.
Brake Fluid Flush Service
What is a brake system flush?
Brake fluid is essential for your brakes to work. When you push on the brake pedal, the brake fluid that leads to the brake pads pressing against the rotors, causing your car to slow down and stop. As time goes on, brake fluid absorbs air, moisture and sludge and gets contaminated. Air in the brake fluid greatly decreases braking efficiency and causes braking to feel spongy. A brake system flush requires removing the existing fluid and moisture out of the system and replacing it with fresh, clean, fluid. A brake fluid flush ensures that your brake system performs properly and will increase the lifespan of your brake system components.
Signs you need a brake system flush?
- Your Brake fluid looks black or brown, which is a sign of contamination
- Your Brake pedal feels spongy when you press down
- Your brake system doesn’t perform as well
How often should you flush your brake fluid?
It’s suggested that brake fluid is changed every 40,000 km or 3 years. Always follow your car manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and guidelines regarding brake fluid maintenance and always use the brake fluid they recommend (our mek’s will make sure they use the right fluid for your car).
How much does a brake fluid flush cost?
It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to. Our mechanics are mobile, which means they don’t have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office.
How important is this service?
It’s important to regularly flush your brake system, otherwise you risk needing expensive repairs to your brake system down the road. As the brake fluid gets contaminated, it will wear down the brake system components, causing them to fail and leak. This will also decrease your brake system performance, causing a safety concern.
Brake Inspection Service
Few of us think about our brakes on a daily basis, but they are a critical component of a car and can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. Proper maintenance and a quick response to warning signs will ensure that your car will stop every time you hit the brakes.
How much does a brake check cost?
A brake inspection is only $40 and the Mek will come to your home to do a full brake inspection after which he will build you a quote as needed. If you accept the quote then we will waive the brake inspection fee. Book your brake inspection today!
Signs you need to replace your brakes
In most cases, your car will warn you that it is time to have a brake check. It might be a dashboard light, a squeaky or grinding noise, or a number of other indicators. Here are the most common warning signs and causes of brake trouble.
- You feel your brake pedal is soft or spongy.
- You feel that your brake pedal is hard to press.
- Your brake pedal goes all the way down.
- The brake warning light flashes.
- The car takes longer to stop.
- You have squeaky brakes or hear your brakes grinding, squealing or make strange noises.
- Your vehicle is pulling to one side when you brake.
- Your brakes are vibrating.
It’s important to get your brake looked at as soon as you see, hear or feel the above warning signs. Faulty brakes are one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. If you aren’t sure if you need your brakes changed then call us or get a quote for a brake check with one of our certified mechanics.
What to expect during a brake check service
Whether it’s time for your annual brake inspection or you have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, a top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to perform a thorough inspection of your brake system.
In addition to completing a test drive to get a sense of the symptoms you’re experiencing when operating the car, the mechanic will examine the following components during the brake check:
- Brake pads and shoes
- Hydraulic fluid
- Rotor and drum wear
- Brake calipers
- Wheel cylinders
- All brake hardware
- All hoses and lines
- Master cylinder
- Anti-lock system
After the inspection, the mechanic will provide a detailed report that describes the source and cause of the brake issue, along with the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.
How it’s done
The mechanic will inspect the entire brake system (brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, fluid, hoses, drums, shoes, proportioning valve, ABS, and wheel cylinders).
How important is this service?
There is no safe operation of a vehicle without properly functioning brakes. If you suspect an issue with your braking system, do not drive the car and request a brake check as soon as possible.
ABS Light On Car Inspection Service
How much does a ABS Light On Car Inspection cost?
It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to. Our mechanics are mobile, which means they don’t have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office.
Fast and easy service at your home
Backed by 12-month, 20,000-km guarantee
When a problem develops with your anti-lock brake system (ABS), a light will turn-on on your dashboard. The light will show as the acronym “ABS”.”
Your ABS exists to prevent your vehicle from skidding hazardously throughout braking. It is a computerized safety and security system that identifies when your wheels stop turning (while your vehicle is still moving) and also releases brake fluid pressure, allowing the wheels to progressively stop turning until you reach a full-stop. This stops your car from skidding uncontrollably and keeps you in control of the steering of your vehicle.
Your ABS can fail, and you should deal with the problem as soon as your ABS light turns on.
Reasons for your ABS light turning on
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor The ABS depends on information from the wheel speed sensors, which are positioned inside the hub of each wheel and sometimes inside the transmission. These sensing units identify the rate at which the wheels are moving and relay that information to the ABS. When the ABS obtains information that one or even more of the car’s wheels are moving slower than others, the system launches brake liquid pressure, which then enables the wheels to turn in synchronous motion. If the wheel speed sensor is malfunctioning, or if the circuitry from the sensor to the ABS is broken, then the ABS will not get the wheel speed details that it needs. The wheel speed sensor is composed of two elements: a metal ring with teeth connected to a drive axle or wheel bearing, and the sensing unit itself, which reviews the teeth on the ring as the wheel turns. As the wheel speed sensor is positioned close to the braking system, the high heat produced by the brakes causes the wheel speed sensor to be a lot more prone to damage. Damage to the wheel is, therefore, one of the more typical reasons for the ABS light coming on. Unresponsive Hydraulic Pump or Valve When the wheel speed sensor alerts the ABS that the wheels are moving at various speeds, a hydraulic valve is accountable for launching, or boosting, the brake fluid pressure to avoid the wheels from shedding traction with the ground. Like all pumps and valves, those attached to the ABS are can end up breaking or becoming less efficient. This may be because of interior wear generally from filthy brake fluid. Defective ABS Module Component Deterioration of the ABS module component can prevent information from being passed on between the wheel sensor and the ABS. Rust is a fairly typical concern and one that can trigger issues in the previously mentioned wheel sensor cables. Even a small amount of deterioration can create enough resistance on the cables to keep the system from properly functioning. In less typical circumstances, the computer in the component can stop working and require to be changed. Reduced Fluid Levels The ABS depends on a liquid to assist in regulating pressure. If the ABS fluid reservoir is reduced, or if there is way too much air in the system, then the ABS will not have the ability to do its task.What to expect during an ABS Light On Car inspection
A top-rated mobile technician will come to your house or workplace to figure out the source of the ABS problem, and will then give an in-depth evaluation report that consists of the scope and price of the required repair work.How it’s done
The technician will have a check device that gathers information from the ABS component to discover what is triggering the light to switch on. The technician will inspect the ABS fuse, and then evaluate the whole ABS system for issues.Our Clients Say The Nicest Things
Owen WIlliams
23:36 19 Apr 21
Grant came by twice. Once for an inspection and again for a brake repair. Incredibly convenient and more cost effective than the dealership quote that I received. Vehicle is running great. Highly recommend.
Wayne St John
15:43 22 Jan 21
I was looking at a vehicle to purchase and had Grant from instaMek come out to do an inspection on it before making my final decision. Grant provided an amazing amount of information and noted so many items in his report that I had overlooked, everything from a small leak in the rear differential right down to a broken screw holding the license plate on.This was an easy and extremely professional service to arrange and was absolutely worth every penny.
Krazey Kat Ladie
22:31 21 Jan 21
Amazing service super friendly. Mechanic Glen was absolutely amazing and the best mechanic I've ever dealt with.UpdateGlen is amazing he was back to diagnose my power steering issues.4+ mechanics couldn't find the issue. He did.
Russell Byrd
23:49 21 Sep 20
Glen was a delight to learn from and have come inspect my vehicles brakes. He gave honest, unbiased feedback, and was a straight shooter; a breathe of fresh air for the industry. Would highly recommend Glen for coming to your home to work on your vehicle!
Curtis Wong
22:15 01 Sep 20
Called instaMek on a whim and I'm glad that I did! Glen is a consummate professional in every sense of the word, and was an absolute delight to have working on my vehicle. The issue was clearly identified and explained, and he was transparent about the process from start to finish. It's rare to find people adept at their craft and hospitable in equal measure, and Glen is one such individual. Thanks again for your work!
Sukhmeet Hayer
22:02 03 Jul 20
Before buying my car I took it to those guys and they did a full inspection on it, they were very professional and absolutely liked their service.
