Best Auto Repair News & Updates

Ever wondered why your vehicle suddenly feels less safe or starts acting up when you need to hit the brakes? The culprit could be a fault in a component that you rarely see: rusted brake lines.

 

A rusted brake line is a silent threat to the performance of your brake system. If you live in areas where it gets super cold and snowy, or by the ocean where there's lots of salt in the air and on the roads, these conditions can make your car's brake lines rust quicker. Salt is like fast food for rust; it speeds the process up. But don’t worry! Knowing what to do and taking care of your car regularly can stop rust from ever becoming a problem.

 

We have some easy-to-follow tips that’ll help you keep your brake lines as good as new. This way, you can drive confidently, knowing your car will stop when you need it to, no matter if you're driving to the grocery store or going on an adventure.

 

Some Causes Of Rust In Brake Lines

• Salt on the Road: In the winter, people sprinkle salt on the roads to melt ice. It's great for not slipping, but that salt is like kryptonite for your car's brake lines. It can stick to them and start the rusting process.
• Mud and Dirt: When driving around, your car kicks up all sorts of mud and dirt, especially if it's raining or you go through puddles. This gunk can stick to your brake lines and hold moisture against them. Over time, this moisture can make the metal start to rust, kind of like how a bike left out in the rain gets rusty.
• Leaks: Sometimes, your car's brake system might have small leaks, letting brake fluid get out. This fluid can attract more dirt and moisture to the brake lines, speeding up rust.
• Not Cleaning Your Car Enough: If you don't wash your car, especially the underside, all the salt, dirt, and grime can build up and start eating away at the metal brake lines. It's like not cleaning a dirty pan; the more stuff builds up on it, the harder it is to clean and the more damage it can do.

How To Protect Brake Lines From Rust

• Keep Brake Fluid Fresh: Your car uses brake fluid to help stop when you push the brake pedal. Over time, this fluid can get old. Changing it out for fresh fluid is like giving your car fresh juice to keep its brakes happy and not rusty on the inside.
• Avoid Big Puddles: Driving through big puddles can splash a lot of water on your brake lines, which isn't good because it can make them rust faster. If you have to go through water, think of it as tiptoeing through a puddle - go slow and steady.
• Fix Any Leaks: If you see any spots under your car or it's leaking brake fluid, it's like having a small hole in a water bottle. You want to get it fixed right away so the leak doesn't cause more problems, like making parts of your car rust.
• Use Rust Inhibitor: To protect the undercarriage of your vehicle and the braked line from rust you can make use of a protective covering called rust inhibitor. It's like sunscreen but for stopping rust.
• Park Your Car Right: If you're not going to use your car for a while, make sure it's parked in a spot that won't let rust sneak up on it. Find a dry place, maybe even where the temperature stays the same, and throwing a cover over your car is like giving it a cozy blanket that keeps the wet and dirt off.

 

Get Help From Huron Automotive’s Professionals

At Huron Automotive, we're super proud to be the top choice for fixing cars for people who reside in and around Green Bay, WI. If your car is acting up and you're looking for a garage that really knows what they're doing, we've got your back.

Our team is packed with skilled mechanics who have all the right tools and know-how to figure out what's wrong and get it fixed correctly on the first try. You can come to any of our two locations right here in Green Bay. If you want your car fixed without any fuss, just give us a shout. Book an appointment to learn more about how we can help you!