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Monday, December 16, 2019

Where it all Began.

Germany is the cradle of modern-day car industry.  The first German car made in 1885 set the tone for the automobile revolution throughout the world.  It all began with Karl Benz who manufactured the first German car Motorwagen in 1885.  It looked like a horse carriage and was also the first motor car in the world.

Soon thereafter, Benz developed a better model running on gasoline and went into commercial production in 1887.  The vehicle hit the market next year and was an instant hit.  In 1888, Benz's wife famously traveled 65 miles in the car to see her ailing father.  It drew public attention and soon Benz's car began to be sold in Germany and France.

Today, Germany is the fourth biggest producer of cars in the world.  German car makers, such as Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, and Audi, produce six million cars at home and another 5.5 million abroad. When one of them needs maintenance in the Denver area most folks rely on The German Car Shoppe of Littleton. Merry Christmas and Fröhliche Weihnachten from our family to yours.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

OEM vs. After-Market…Is it Worth it?

Generally speaking, if you take your car to an independent shop, you'll most likely get aftermarket car parts.  Is that okay with you?  Does a less expensive part mean a poorer-quality part?  In what situations should you use only OEM parts?  You need to know, so that you may make an informed decision.

What are the pros of using only parts that are made by the manufacturer?

1.  You never have to worry about quality…you will know it is right!
2.  You should notice the difference in your car’s performance.
3.  The warranty…it will be solid every time.

At The German Car Shoppe in Littleton they use ONLY original manufacturer parts.  That way, you have peace of mind after every repair!  Think of it this way, if you use an after-market part and then you have to come back because it is faulty, then you have doubled the price.  Trust The German Car Shoppe serving the Denver area at 5115 Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton.

Dec 6 - 7th, The 44th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights

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The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever!



Thursday, November 21, 2019

Do You Own a Porsche in the Denver Area?

If so, you are one of the lucky ones and the people that you trust to do the scheduled (and other) maintenance on your vehicle need to have your implicit trust.  Do you own a Porsche from the 1960’s, 70’s, or 80,s?  These are some of the vintage Porsches that are still on the road performing in top condition.

Air-cooled Porsches have become a popular vehicle in recent times.  We know what it takes to make these cars handle well now and for many years in the future.  The important thing to remember is that when you own a Porsche in the Denver area you either need to keep going back to the dealership, or get the same professional work done for less.

That is what we are all about at The German Car Shoppe in Littleton.  We service Porsches from every era with pride and expertise…guaranteed!  You don’t have to pay more at the dealership to get this kind of TLC for your Porsche.  The next time you need service come into our shop located at 5115 Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton or call for an appointment at (303) 798-2287.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Dual-Clutch vs. Automatic…That May be the Question.

Automotive terminology can sometimes be rather confusing, so it may come as no surprise if the idea of a dual-clutch transmission scares some drivers away.  People already avoid manual transmissions because of the hassle of using a clutch pedal.  A dual-clutch transmission is a breeze to operate, at least from the driver’s seat.

Every engine we work on has a certain sweet spot at which they operate most efficiently.  That optimum engine speed, however, is within a relatively narrow range.  A transmission basically adjusts the ratio between how fast the engine is spinning and how fast the wheels move (whether it be forward or backward).

We at The German Car Shoppe of Littleton know transmissions inside and out…not just in German manufactured vehicles, but other makes and models as well.  If you feel that your transmission should be checked, repaired, or replaced please call us at The German Car Shop serving all of the Denver area at 5115 Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton.  Call (303) 798-2287.

Sat., Nov 9th - Denver Veterans Day Festival

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Immediately following the Parade, participants and spectators are encouraged to join us in Civic Center Park for the Denver Veterans Day Festival.


Monday, October 14, 2019

Pass or Fail…That is the Question.

It is true in school and true when you hope to have your vehicle’s registration renewed at the DMV.  Given that motor vehicles are among the leading sources of air pollution, keeping tailpipe emissions to a minimum is crucial for improving air quality and reducing negative environmental impact.  That’s exactly why the EPA prescribes strict emission standards.

Emissions tests are aimed at ensuring that the levels of toxic gases produced by vehicles on the roads around Denver do not exceed the defined limits.  These tests measure the amount of tailpipe emissions produced by car engines (German or American), in order to check whether a vehicle meets the regulations that restrict emissions of specific pollutants.

Whether you agree with emissions testing or not as a right to continue operating your vehicle legally around the Mile High City, they are today’s reality.  To help you pass the test you should have a check-up at The German Car Shoppe located at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, CO.  As someone once said…failure is NOT an option!  Call The German Car Shoppe at (303) 798-2287.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

82 Halloween Happenings On The Cheap

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"The ghouls, ghosts, zombies and witches are flying about the beautiful Colorado skies. Denver, Boulder and all points in between offer an abundance of Halloween activities for kids and adults."

 

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Repairing and Maintaining your Audi.

Ah, that wonderful Audi.  Take pride in owning one…you should!  Audis are prized possessions, but like most other luxury cars they have common maintenance issues.  Some of them are unique to Audi but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying them.  Here are some of the most common issues with Audi.

1.  Failure of electrical components
2.  Issues with the ignition coil and spark plugs
3.  Catalytic converters due to carbon build-up
4.  Oil leaks
5.  Loose fuel caps causing low mileage

Protect your baby by having your Audi serviced regularly by The German Car Shoppe located at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton CO.  For years, The German Car Shoppe has maintained and repaired Audis, BMWs, Porsches, Mercedes, etc. throughout the Denver area.  Always trust them with your German car.  Make an appointment by calling (303) 798-2287.

The ultimate guide to Oktoberfest in Colorado, 2019 edition

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"Beer, brats and bands at celebrations around the state."

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

When to Change the Oil.

If you drive a fine German car, you’ve probably been told that you need an oil change every 3,000 miles.  This is a widely accepted standard when it comes to oil changes, but do you really need to change your engine oil after traveling exactly 3,000 miles?  Recommended oil-change intervals actually vary greatly from one vehicle manufacturer to another.

Years ago, it was a good idea to change your engine oil and oil filter frequently, but because of advances in engine materials and tighter tolerances, as well as the quality of the oil that goes into engines, today most manufacturers recommend intervals of 7,500 miles or more.  Volkswagen and Porsche, for example, recommend oil changes every 10,000 miles.

Keeping your German car in tip-top condition is all that you care about.  You invested in it in the first place because you expect to still be driving it many years from now.  So, keep it humming along by having it maintained at the Denver area’s best…The German Car Shoppe located at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.  Just call ahead at (303) 798-2287.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

We’re There in the Clutch.

The clutch is one of the most misunderstood parts of your German Car.  Let’s break it down for you.  The clutch connects the engine to the wheels.  When you step on the clutch it actually disconnects the engine.  At this point, your vehicle can run free and it lets your engine turn at any speed.  We hope that breaks it down for those who did not know.

For a little more detail…a clutch is two metal plates in the engine.  When your car engine is constantly running, a clutch is needed to separate the engine from the drive wheels when you stop the car.  When you press the clutch pedal down the plates come apart separating the engine from the drive wheels allowing you to change gear.

Knowing more about your finely-tuned German-made car can help you understand when something goes wrong.  If and when that happens you turn to us at The German Car Shoppe serving all of the Denver area with repair and maintenance from our location at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.  Call us for an appointment at (303) 798-2287.     

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Denver’s 37th A Taste Of Colorado, Aug 31 - Sept 2

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Aug 31st - Sept 2nd
"A Taste Of Colorado is Denver’s free farewell to summer party held annually over Labor Day Weekend. It’s a wonderful party in Civic Center Park featuring music, food, arts and games."

 

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Wellness Your Way Festival 2019, Aug 16-18

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Wellness Your Way Festival is a premiere, weekend experience to kick-start your journey to a healthy lifestyle.

 

Is it Okay to Drive with a Faulty Heater Core?

Well, first of all, it may be okay now, but what about when winter hits with full force in the Denver area?  A leaking heater core will reduce the amount of coolant in the cooling system. Low coolant will then cause an engine to run at a higher temperature, and that can result in extensive engine damage.

Here are some signs to note that your heater core is not functioning properly –

1.  There is little or no heat inside the car.  You may want to test it before it gets cold.
2.  There is an odor of coolant within the vehicle.
3.  Your windows are fogging up.
4.  Under the dashboard there could be a leak beneath the dashboard.
5.  The engine is running hot.

Wouldn’t it be nice to troubleshoot these problems BEFORE you need maximum heat within your car?  It sure would!  That is why we are here.  Preventative maintenance is our specialty.  We are The German Car Shoppe located at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.  If you live in the Denver area, please call us at (303) 798-2287.

Back to School Wine Dinner, Aug 30th

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The kid's are back in school and it's time for a parent's night out!

 

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Should I Buy this Car or Not.

The toughest part of buying a used car (especially if it is your first German pre-owned vehicle) is that you are not a qualified auto mechanic.  There could be something wrong with this beautiful looking car and you would not even be aware of it.  Is there someone who is imminently qualified to inspect vehicles (especially German ones) completely and honestly?

Often times a used car makes no outward noises which would lead the novice to believe that it is in tip-top condition.  When a qualified mechanic puts that vehicle on a hoist they can see in and out, as well as up and down if anything is about to go wrong and warn you accordingly.  That is the ultimate peace of mind!

At The German Car Shoppe in Littleton, CO we are more than happy to assess your potential purchase before you make your final decision.  We will do so, without obligation so that you know we will not be insisting that you have it fixed here.  Of course, we hope if you live in the Denver area that you will think of us for the best care of your car be it German-manufactured or not.  We are at 5115 Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton.  Call (303) 798-2287. 

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Give Me a Valve Job to Go.


Say what?  What constitutes a valve job in your German owned car?  It might sound a bit weird, but it is an important major step of automotive maintenance.  The reason is that most engines will last at least 80,000 miles before you might even need a valve job.  How can you tell when that time has come?

The condition of your engine’s cylinder head valves can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance. The valves take a lot of abuse from the extreme conditions in which they operate.  As mileage increases, your valves’ performance degrades from heat and wear.  This can cause your engine to experience lower compression and higher oil consumption.

Cleaning the valves is often an option.  After the valves are cleaned, the valve seats and everything else under the cylinder head should be inspected simultaneously.  That’s where we come in.  We are The German Car Shoppe…valve job professional mechanics serving Denver.  Call (303) 798-2287 for an appointment at our shop located at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.


Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time to Hit the Road.

Drivers throughout the Denver area are celebrating summer by heading out on their annual summer vacation in the family car.  And, let’s face it, mountain driving followed by the highways of points in every direction adds up to a multi-day excursion.  Is your vehicle ready for extended summer travel?

Here are some tips before you head out –


1.  Have every fluid checked out and topped off prior to your trip.
2.  Make sure every one of your vehicle’s lights are shining bright.
3.  Are your windshield wipers in shape?
4.  How about those all-important brake pads?
5.  Your tires…they need to be ready for the long haul.

At the German Car Shoppe we will check all of the boxes that are important to extended summer vacation driving.  Whatever type of vehicle you drive, make sure it is fully checked and serviced by our mechanics.  That’s The German Car Shoppe.  Denver’s last stop before hitting the road.  Call (303) 798-2287 to make an appointment at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.

Monday, June 17, 2019

Your Car’s Condenser.

We want you to be educated about your car’s climate control system…especially with summer arriving.  The compressor is the power unit of your vehicle’s air-conditioning system that puts the refrigerant under high pressure before it pumps it into the condenser, where it then changes from a gas to a liquid. 

A fully functioning compressor is necessary for the air-conditioning system to provide peak performance.  In most cars, A/C compressors are driven by an engine-accessory belt.  If the belt is worn, the compressor won’t operate at full strength. Compressors can also leak refrigerant, resulting in less cold air going into the interior.  Internal parts can also fail equaling no cold air.

At The German Car Shoppe we know that you can’t face a Denver area summer without a fully functional air conditioning system in your German or domestic vehicle.  Before things really heat up in our area, make an appointment at The German Car Shoppe for an a/c check-up by calling (303) 798-2287.  You’ll find us at 5115 Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

It’s Your Mercedes First Birthday!


Your Mercedes IS a bit like your child isn’t it.  And…just like a human baby it needs some TLC during and at its one-year anniversary.  If you care about your Benz as much as we do, you have consulted your owner’s manual and know exactly what a qualified Mercedes mechanic needs to do by the one-year mark.

Here are some reminders –

1.  Have the oil and filter changed.
2.  Clean and drain the air/water duct.
3.  Check the thickness of the brake pads.
4.  Correct the tire pressure.
5.  Adjust the cable slack on the parking brakes.

There are others, of course which are all part of the one-year maintenance of your Mercedes vehicle.  No one in the Denver area is better qualified to execute ALL of the steps than The German Car Shoppe.  They are located at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.  Make an appointment for your Mercedes’ annual maintenance by calling (303) 798-2287.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Pass or Fail…Just like when we were kids.

Nothing changes very much over the years.  When you were in school you either passed or failed a particular class.  Now that you are an adult in the Denver area driving proudly in your German-owned or domestic car the results are the same.  When you go in for an emission check the DMV will either pass or fail your vehicle.

A catalytic converter is one of the most important emissions components of today’s gasoline engine.  It is part of the vehicle’s exhaust system and is responsible for keeping the vehicle’s hydrocarbon emissions beneath acceptable levels.  Its failure will usually activate a check engine light and will cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

You cannot afford to play fast and loose with your check engine light!  It will ultimately determine whether or not your car stays on the road.  The German Car Shoppe located at 5115 Santa Fe Drive in Littleton will thoroughly diagnose your vehicle and keep it ship-shape for summer travel around the Denver area.  Call for an appointment at (303) 798-2287.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Evacuating Your Vehicle’s A/C.

Here is a simple tutorial…a car’s air conditioning system needs to be evacuated as part of routine maintenance when the system needs to be recharged.  Depending on the automaker employing a wide array of air conditioning systems and components, these systems all perform the same basic function and follow standard air conditioning design.

Here is how the evacuation process works…connect the manifold air gauges.  Manifold air gauges consist of two gauges and three hoses, one red, one blue and one yellow. The red hose attaches to the high-pressure valve and the blue hose connects to the low-pressure, valve. High-pressure valves are found on the receiver bottle attached to the compressor, with the low-pressure valve below it and slightly to the front of it.

This is the art of maintaining and evacuating your vehicle’s air conditioning system.  Whether you have a German-owned car or not the choice for evacuating your car’s a/c is The German Car Shoppe located at 5115 South Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.  Wherever you are in the Denver area trust the mechanics at The German Car Shoppe.  Call ahead at (330) 798-2287. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

How Old is Old?

Well, in the world of cars that number has moved in recent years due to technology (and probably the economy).  Today, the average age of a vehicle on the road is nearly 11 years.  That’s right, some cars have been tooling around for 20 years or more!  That’s according the marketing research firm R. L. Polk.

Whom you trust to repair your German-owned car is more important than ever –

1.  Write down the things that you wish to tell your mechanic.
2.  Be realistic in your expectations of what can be done for the cost.
3.  Be available if they need to talk to you.
4.  Try not to deliver a hopelessly cluttered vehicle for repair.

If you want to feel that your German-owned vehicle is getting the best treatment possible then trust the company with their name right on the front door.  That is The German Car Shoppe located at 5115 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton.  They proudly serve your auto repair needs throughout the Denver area.  Just give them a call at (303) 798-2287.

Monday, April 1, 2019

The All-Important Catalytic Converter.

What, exactly is a catalytic converter?  Well, it is a car component that works to reduce vehicle emissions and pollution.  It has a metal canister installed in the exhaust system and is filled with a chemical catalyst, usually a platinum and palladium mixture, that helps to convert the vehicle’s emissions into non-harmful gasses.

So, when do you know it needs to be repaired?

1.  A reduction in engine performance
2.  You hear rattling beneath your vehicle
3.  There is a noticeable sulfur smell
4.  The check engine light comes on

Most of us know what that last point means…you WILL fail the emissions test.  That, of course, is unacceptable!  If you have an inkling that your car’s catalytic converter is giving out, please call The German Car Shoppe in Littleton at (303) 798-2287.  For years they have been the right place to bring your German car in the Denver area at 5115 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Evacuating your Car’s A/C.

What does that entail, exactly?  Evacuating is also known as discharging an automobile’s air conditioning system.  With the necessary tools and properly trained technicians it can be a simple and fast process.  Auto air conditioning systems need to be evacuated as part of the regular, routine maintenance when the system needs to be charged.


To evacuate an a/c system we may use –

1.  A digital vacuum gauge
2.  A vacuum pump
3.  Vacuum hoses
4.  Vacuum pump oil
5.  Nitrogen

Properly and expertly evacuating your German car’s air conditioning is just one of the many area’s of expertise we perform every day here at The German Car Shoppe.  Located in Littleton, CO we serve all of the Denver area’s German Car maintenance and repair needs.  Count on us by visiting our shop at 5115 S. Santa Fe Drive or call ahead at (303) 798-2287.

Monday, March 4, 2019

The Electrical System of your German Import.

Your German vehicle’s electrical system plays a vital role in the overall safety and performance of your ride.  Over time, or sometimes due to unforeseen events, you may experience problems with your German car that are directly traceable to your electrical system.  If this happens, you need to troubleshoot it immediately!

Some of the auto electrical repair services include –

1.  All of the wiring
2.  The fuses
3.  The alternator
4.  The battery itself

There could be a great deal of potential problems manifesting themselves under the hood of your fine German car.  Nobody in the Denver area is better equipped to find, repair, and replace electrical problems than The German Car Shoppe.  That is our name and what we do.  We repair German cars from our shop in Littleton, Colorado.  Call us for an appointment at (303) 798-2287.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Keep it Smooth in your BMW.

Your BMW’s suspension ensures that your ride doesn’t roll while cornering, and it keeps all the wheels on the ground on the bumpy roads around the Denver area for the most effective braking.  If you experience any symptoms of suspension problems in your BMW call your mechanic right away to have the issue resolved.

Some tests to determine if you have suspension problems are –

1.  The bounce test…push on the hood or the trunk and watch the reaction.
2.  Fluid is leaking from the struts.
3.  One corner of your BMW looks lower than the other.
4.  There is a rolling sensation when you turn corners.

Suspension problems rank right at the top of mechanical repairs needed on your BMW.  When you trust The German Car Shoppe in Littleton for all your BMW repair and maintenance needs you feel secure that you are relying on the best German car repair shop in the Denver Metro.  Call (303) 798-2287 or “wobble in” to the shop at 5115 Santa Fe Drive.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Should I Have my Pre-Owned German Car Inspected Before I Decide?

You can avoid a lot of pitfalls if you have your Mercedes or other German auto inspected before you pull the trigger on that buying decision.  Even if your proposed purchased looks clean and has limited miles, you will never discover the flaws that may be present unless you take it to a certified German Auto Mechanic.

When you ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy, it is certainly not a requirement of the dealership to allow cars to be inspected off-site.  So, what’s in it for a German Car Dealership and repair shop to WANT to inspect your purchase and give you their assessment.  Obviously, they hope to win your future trust.

People all around the Denver area have been trusting The German Car Shoppe for their pre-owned vehicle inspection needs.  Beyond that, they count on the shop for future repairs of that, or any other car that they own.  Just Google the term German car repair Denver and there is The German Car Shoppe right at the top of the front page.  Visit their Littleton repair shop at 5115 S. Santa Fe Drive or call ahead at (303) 798-2287.

Friday, January 18, 2019

How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Can Save You Money

Owning a vehicle can be expensive when you factor in fuel and insurance costs, as well as the cost of fixing any problems. The last thing you want to be doing is paying a huge amount of money to save your vehicle following a major breakdown. Luckily, regularly maintaining your vehicle can help save money by preventing any major problems developing down the road. 

Preventive vehicle maintenance involves frequent inspections and repairs that will keep your vehicle functional. Why wait for something to go wrong and pay the price when you can keep your car operating at peak condition at a fraction of the cost?

It’s something Mike Lies of Gold Compass Real Estate understands. Mike and his company work across the Littleton region and throughout Colorado, traveling the state by car. A long-time customer of The German Car Shoppe, Mike Lies frequently travels to show homes and understands the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. 

Mike says he thinks of preventative maintenance as an investment in his vehicle and ultimately in his business.

The simple act of maintaining your car can save money in the following ways:

Spotting small issues before they become big issues – Like any piece of machinery, a small problem in a car can escalate into a major problem if left unchecked. What starts as a minor issue could soon become very costly. Arguably, the most important ability of regular maintenance is to spot these small problems before they become irreparable, leaving your car needing new parts. 

Keeping your vehicle fuel efficient – Fuel economy is a hugely important aspect of vehicle ownership. Many consumers buy cars based on their fuel efficiency. However, some motorists forget that fuel efficiency decreases if measures are not taken to maintain it. For example, properly inflated tires, traction balance, and oil changes can ensure you get more miles per gallon. 

Regular maintenance will ensure those areas are taken care of, allowing you more time on the road for your money. 

Extending vehicle lifespan – If you have purchased an expensive or new vehicle, you are within reason to expect it to last you many years. However, you cannot expect longevity from your car if you do not look after it.

Regular maintenance on your vehicle keeps it in near-new condition for longer and adds years to its lifespan. 

Reduce the need for emergency repairs – One of the best things about preventative maintenance is you can choose when your car goes into the shop. You will not be forced into the shop by an unforeseen problem and you can avoid the expensive cost of a tow truck (typically hundreds of dollars). 

Through preventative maintenance, you can choose the mechanic you want, proactively solve problems, and know when to make a repair.

Typical Preventative Vehicle Maintenance Procedures

Fluid Checks – During a regular maintenance check, the mechanic will check the level of fluids in your car and, importantly, the quality of those fluids. Of course, oil is vital to the performance of your car. It is the fluid that needs to be checked and changed most often. Other fluids are also checked, however, such as brake fluid, radiator water, and windshield washer. 

Air Filters – Preventative maintenance includes regularly changing the air filter, which should be swapped out about once per year. 

Tire Pressure – Tire pressure is important and affects the performance quality of your vehicle, while also having an impact on fuel efficiency. Pressure that is too high or too low is problematic. A regular check will ensure pressure matches manufacturer specifications (typically between 30 and 35 psi). 

Tire treads – On the same theme, during a preventative maintenance check, your mechanic will also keep an eye on the depth of tire treads. This will improve safety and can boost the performance and handling of your car. 

Brakes – Brakes are probably your car’s most important safety feature. A second can make all the difference when you need to avoid a collision.
It makes sense to ensure your brakes are always up to standard. The best way to do this is through regular maintenance checks. 

The listed checks are a fantastic start, but they are by no means exhaustive. By sending your vehicle for regular maintenance checks, you will find money can be saved in various areas throughout the vehicle.