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anta Clarita Auto Repair Reeves Complete Auto Center

Santa Clarita Auto Repair Expert Discusses Brake Repair, Safety During El Nino

Ed. Note: The following is a KHTS Feature story based on a recent radio interview with Reeves Complete Auto Center.

With El Nino making its first appearance in a series of storms earlier this month, having any necessary brake repairs performed on vehicles before the next storm hits can help enhance motorists’ safety during wet and dry driving conditions alike.


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Santa Clarita Auto Repair Reeves Complete Auto Center

Dave Reeves of Reeves Complete Auto Center on KHTS AM-1220.

There are a few ways to determine if a vehicle is in need of brake repair, according to Santa Clarita auto repair expert Dave Reeves of Reeves Complete Auto Center.

The most obvious indicator is when a brake warning light turns on notifying the motorist of a low brake fluid level, which can be caused by several things.

“A wheel cylinder could be leaking, and/or a caliper could have low brake pad wear as well and the piston has actually come out of the caliper,” Reeves explained, “which is producing more fluid to open that piston, which is going to create less fluid in the master, which is going to trip the light.”

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If brake fluid levels are low, Reeves added, the motorist might notice a low, or “mushy,” brake pedal as well.

In the case that the front or rear rotors become warped, it can cause a “shimmy” in either the steering wheel, the brake pedal or both.

Perhaps the most well-known indicator of the need for brake repair is “squealing” brakes caused by contact between an indicator tab and the rotor.

“You have an indicator tab that’s on a lot of the back of brake pads that will actually touch the rotor,” Reeves said, “which is giving you a minimal brake pad awareness.”

If a motorist doesn’t notice any of these signs, or chooses to ignore them, they risk exposing something called an O-ring on the pistons of the brake calipers to the air, causing dry rot and resulting in the need to replace the entire caliper.

“Brakes can be expensive if you don’t get them serviced when they’re supposed to be serviced,” Reeves said. “You can be your best friend in regards to the braking scenario of your car if you just listen.”

New customers at Reeves Complete Auto Center can take advantage of a complimentary preventative maintenance inspection when they bring their vehicle in for brake repair or another form of auto repair.

The inspection takes about 20 minutes, and can help keep motorists informed of potentially dangerous vehicle issues in need of repair.

“All four wheels come off, we check the brakes, check tires, check hoses, check belts, everything, and advise the customer what we find,” Reeves said. “That is at no charge, and basically that is to make sure that your car is road worthy.”

KHTS Feature Story

Reeves Complete Auto Center is a Santa Clarita auto repair business that specializes in engine repair, transmission repair, brake repair and air conditioning service and repair. Established in the SCV in 2008, the auto repair experts at Reeves Complete Auto Center work on all makes and models, including light duty trucks and vans. Owner Dave Reeves started out in the auto industry at an early age, working primarily with race car engines. Reeves was nominated for the SCV Man of the Year award in 2014 and 2015 for his work with the SCV Rotary Club.

Reeves Complete Auto Center

26821 Ruether Ave, Unit G

Santa Clarita, CA 91351

661-252-1400

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Santa Clarita Auto Repair Expert Discusses Brake Repair, Safety During El Nino

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About Melissa Lampert-Abramovitch

Melissa Lampert-Abramovitch has been writing for KHTS since Feb. 2014. She currently writes “Community Spotlight” and feature stories, and coordinates all aspects of both the”KHTS Adopt a Pet” video feature series and “Top Things to Do in Santa Clarita.” She is the creator of “KHTS Adopt a Pet” and acted as News Editor from 2019-2020, as well as Features Director and Newsroom Manager from 2016-2018. A former Valley Publications Staff Writer, Melissa was a contributor to the Santa Clarita Gazette and Canyon Country Magazine from 2015-2016. She has published feature stories with Pet Me Magazine, The Pet Press, The Signal, COC's Cougar News, and KJAMS Radio.