Brakes for Car/Truck/Van

DIY + Brake Repair Hacks to Help You

Car Brake Repair Dana Point & San Clemente CA

Auto Care 101 is where we assist you in knowing more about brake service San Clemente and fixing your car, truck, SUV, or van. Read on for vehicle brake replacement insights and a bit about this awesome San Clemente CA auto repair shop!

Vehicle Brake Check Services

If you're experiencing problems with the brake system of your car, you've come to the right place. Welcome to RSC and our awesome auto repair service in San Clemente!


We're the local experts for tires and brake repair San Clemente CA, San Juan Capistrano CA, Dana Point, Mission Viejo, Capistrano Beach, and throughout Orange County. RSC Automotive Repair Center LLC is the place for everything from new tires or a fill up of air to all your other kinds of auto repair.

DIY + Brake Repair Basics

DIY DIFFICULTY is high for the diagnosis, repair, tool cost, and safe installation of brakes.


The trouble could be brake fluid, shoes, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS, or drum and disc brakes. Experienced do-it-yourselfers could try this service... BUT why mess with a complex auto repair that protects you, your family, and passengers!

Leaders for Tires & Brake Service in San Clemente CA

We know the importance of a vehicle braking system, especially with loved ones in the car. That means all of us need a regular brake inspection due to the wear and tear of friction🌡️


Our expert techs do a FREE brake check every time you get an oil change or have your tires rotated. And with decades of experience on El Camino Real in San Clemente CA... Juan, Luis, and the whole crew have the  skills for all types of auto repair and brake problems.


Make your appointment online today because our business is to serve you!

Parts & Services in the Brake System


Brakes include a variety of vital components:



  • Drum vs disc brakes will be talked about later on this page.
  • Rotors are the disc that moves at the speed of our wheels.
  • Calipers are stationary & close the brake pads for stopping.
  • Brake fluid runs through our brake lines to the brake pedal.
  • A brake light system tells other drivers when to watch out.
  • The parking brake can also serve as an emergency brake.


How Do Brakes Work?

Pushing the pedal forces liquid through the brake lines to close our brake pads. Brake systems use different sized pistons to multiply the leverage and create enough friction to easily stop us.


The brake system for most cars today is disc brakes on front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. That's because front wheels get more braking force which generates heat over 950°F from the friction ♨️


Brake service in our San Clemente CA shop includes brake fluid, new pads, and resurfacing the rotors/disc. Drum pads are very similar but we call them shoes. Cleaning, adjusting, and lubricating is all part of this full service auto repair.

Troubleshooting Guide & Costs for Brake Service

Whether cruising up the coast on El Camino Real in San Clemente or commuting to work, there are clear indicators of common braking issues. Come in for maintenance services if you notice any of these >>>


Warning signs to watch for:

  • BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON. Look at your parking brake first and if that's not it, then stop by for a brake inspection.
  • BRAKE FLUID LEAK. This puts us in serious danger of brake failure and needs to be diagnosed right away.
  • MUSHY BRAKE PEDAL. Often from low brake fluid and is significant because it could be breaks or air in the line.
  • VEHICLE PULLS WHEN BRAKING. Calibers are improperly squeezing brakes and is a concern for safe stopping.
  • BRAKES MAKE NOISE. Usually means worn out brake pads which will damage the drum or rotors if not fixed.
  • ABS LIGHT COMES ON. Malfunction with the anti-lock brake systems so get your brakes checked immediately.


No matter whether it's brake problems, a tune-up, new tires, or a simple oil change... our incredibly dedicated RSC team will assess the auto repair issue for you. We are one text stop away at (949) 276-5332. Message and data rates may apply but we're always available to help!


Brakes and new tires are part of regular maintenance services. They aren't a high cost auto repair unless purchased at a dealer... but with 4 tires & brakes it quickly adds up. Now, RSC Automotive Repair Center LLC wants to brighten your day and save you money with a few pro-tips to stretch the life on your brake services and tires...

"RSC Auto Repair Center

Is Your Car Care Doctor

+ Local Brake Specialist!"

Longer Lasting Brakes & Tires

We all need a little TLC... People and vehicles alike!


Practical advice to extend your new tires and brakes : 

  • Avoid brake wear with smoother—less abrupt—stops.
  • Keep tires inflated properly & remove excess weight.
  • Rotate tires at the same time as a brake inspection.
  • Quality brake pads will wear cleaner & last longer.
  • Get a FREE brake check when you do oil change.


Your braking system is essential for superior driving performance. We save you money and handle all the safety measures!

Best Auto Repair Near San Juan Capistrano CA


Our topnotch technicians take care of every auto repair service for San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point... and all of Southern California. The RSC auto repair team makes it easy for you!


RSC Automotive Repair Center LLC is your premier auto shop but "BEST" is a small word with BIG expectations for us! There's lots of good mechanics in San Clemente so we don't wanna just share one side of the story here.


NOTE:

All auto repair work is fully GUARANTEED for 3 years/36,000 miles 💯%

Everyone is competing for your business...

SO WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Our super friendly service staff will:

🧰 Do a visual inspection of your vehicle.

🧰 Run state of the art auto repair diagnostics.

🧰 Skillfully figure out the best service to fix it.

🧰 Clearly explain pricing of your brake repair.

🧰 Prioritize maintenance services you may need.

And, RSC makes it easy to book your appointment online or by phone!

DIY Brake Repair in San Clemente & San Juan Capistrano CA

RSC is the premier San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano CA brake repair expert. Our knowledgable team of professional technicians are always here to help with ANY OTHER auto repair problems too. This section, however, is for those of us who are serious about doing some of our own car repairs.


Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Topics include:

💡 A history on the evolution of brakes.

💡 Understanding your brake system.

💡 DIY brake repair tips for you. 


Brakes are so important for the comfort, safety and usability of our vehicle. Take a peek at the history and how our brake system works below.

Brake Service Overview & Practices From The Past 🕰️

Wooden lever-mounted brakes have been around since the carriage days. Rubber tires and speeds over 20 miles/hour, however, made them obsolete.


The early 1900's brought us the first ever cable-wrapped brake drum that was attached to the chassis. These exterior brakes had many flaws...  Especially their exposure  to air, water, dirt, and rust.


So began the brake evolution for modern vehicles:

  1. INNER BRAKE SHOES. Two curved pads and a drum spinning with our wheels was the solution. Pistons and springs expanded these shoes to slow us down.
  2. HYDRAULIC BRAKES. Higher speeds required more force on the foot pedal. In 1918 Malcolm Loughead invented a system using brake fluid to help stop us easier
  3. DISC BRAKES. Faster automobiles needed innovation to cool, perform, and last better than a drum brake. It wasn't your mothers car puttering around town anymore.
  4. ANTI-LOCKING BRAKE SYSTEMS. This amazing safety system quickly slows us down without skidding. ABS became mandatory for U.S. manufacturers in 2012.


In the past 100+ years, we've gone from the brakes of my second grade go-kart to advanced ABS Brake Systems. We now easily stop our car or truck in a straight line, on a dime with almost no time!

DIY Your Tires & Brakes

RSC is here to provide helpful services and DIY insights! Unfortunately, because the hydraulics and antilock brake systems are now so complex, brake replacement is not really a do-it-yourself repair on modern vehicles.


Most folks need a professional to install tires. 👉 So why not let us do a FREE brake check and repair anything that needs to be fixed.


The alternative is to jack up your vehicle and try to remove the calipers and rotors or shoes and pads on rear drum brakes. Unless you're well-versed in troubleshooting the warning signs, this repair is best left to the experts

Brake Repair Disclaimer

The car care resources presented here are for general educational purposes only. This website is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but there could be errors or omissions. Audio, video, and written material SHOULD BE USED AT YOUR OWN RISK.


Safety is vitally important. Consult the owners manual for specific instructions on any vehicle services. And/or go to a licensed professional mechanic. ⚙️


Provide for everyone's personal welfare in all do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Always work in a well-ventilated space and use proper protective equipment... including but not limited to safety glasses and gloves.

Text Us > 949-276-5332

Brake Repair In San Clemente CA & Customer Review

Stan Siff from 10/20/2023:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


"Been going to this establishment for 10 years and have found them to be very customer oriented. Most importantly they are honest. Highly recommend them for any of your auto repair needs."


GREAT service from an oil change to new tires & brakes!

More Reviews

Fixing Your Car Is Our Calling!

Top Brake Shop 

in San Clemente, CA

We get the cool ocean air in San Clemente, but RSC also serves our inland friends from San Juan Capistrano CA and Mission Viejo up thru Orange County. Much as we love talking about brake repair Dana Point & beyond—we do your other repair services too... in all cities!


There’s a bunch of reasons to check out RSC but the BIG 5 are honesty, integrity, quality, warranty, plus expert technicians who are both knowledgable and friendly. We've been doing everything auto since 2012, so why not bring your vehicle in today for a quick, accurate, and comprehensive inspection?


RSC is your key 🔑 to car happiness!

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