Well, to put it another way – What makes your car stop? That would be the brakes at all four wheels (we’re talking cars and light trucks). Since I’m like a broken record (LP Vinyl Record with a scratch on the surface), my stories don’t change one bit…and so it goes for the “Brake System” on our Classic Cars.
Over the past few months, we’ve had a few cars through the shop that have sat idle for many years. If I asked you to name the costliest item to repair after a vehicle sits dormant – I bet you would say the fuel system. Well, the fuel system can run up the price of repairs, but brake repairs are the costliest. Why is that you wonder? Because it’s not a small system, and nearly every part of the system is effected.
Allowing a Classic Car, or any car for that matter, to sit for long periods of time degrades the Braking System. To name a few items that require replacement: rotors; drums; shoes; pads; calipers; hoses; brake cylinders; master cylinder, and on occasion the brake booster. Since brake fluid (DOT 3/4) is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air), and the internal parts are aluminum, rubber, and steel – the system turns into the best “galvanic corrosion” science project since the 7th grade. And since the same moisture that invaded the brake fluid sought out the steel brake drums and organic brake shoes/pads – they’ll need replacing also. Let me add one bit of worthy advice about storing your Classic Car – “Don’t leave the parking brake applied when you store your car!” Release the brake and chock the wheels, you can thank me later.
Lastly, if you have the time and the knowledge, flush your brake system every few years with new brake fluid. YouTube or Google how to flush the system if it’s something you plan on trying yourself. If you prefer, we can perform the work for you. My suggestion only pertains to the older cars that have sat dormant, or have limited drives down the road. It’s a small price to pay to prevent a bigger expense. Nuff said.
