We cannot overstate the importance of an immediate brake inspection if you are having any of the problems listed below. The brake system is the most important safety system on your car, SUV, or truck. You rely on the system without even thinking about it, and we make certain that our customers never have to experience the fear of driving an automobile without brakes.
Dashboard Warning
The ABS and Brake light should only turn on when you start your automobile. The Brake light should also turn on when you set the parking brake. If they turn on at any other time, your vehicle’s main computer chip is warning you that there is a problem with the brake system.
Noises When Braking
The brake system may also warn you by making strange noises when you press down on the brake pedal. These noises can include grinding sounds if the brake pads are worn or squealing sounds if the brake system is overheating. We will talk more about the latter below.
Wobbling/Vibration
The rotors can get warped after years of generating friction with the brake pads. This can make your automobile wobble when you apply the brakes. If the brake pads are worn and you have metal-on-metal contact, your automobile may vibrate when you press down on the brake pedal.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Your brake system needs to be serviced if it is leaking brake fluid. It could be dangerous to drive your vehicle if there is not enough fluid in the brake system. This hydraulic fluid helps stop your automobile. If you see brown spots near the wheels, you have a brake system leak.
Spongy/Soft Pedal
Your brake pedal may start to feel spongy or soft if the master cylinder in the brake system needs to be replaced. It may also feel soft or give and take if you have air bubbles in the brake lines.
Pulling to the Side
When you press down on the brake pedal, your automobile should continue to go straight. If it veers to the side in any way, you may have a caliper that is stuck on that wheel.
Overheating Brakes
Finally, we mentioned above that we would talk about overheating brakes. Overheating brakes will squeal and smell hot. It is important that you pull over and avoid driving your automobile if the brake system is overheating. Once the brakes reach a certain temperature, you won’t be able to stop your automobile anymore.
Make certain that your brake system is operating as it should be by bringing your automobile to our shop every 12,000 miles for a brake inspection.
