It’s important to take any brake trouble seriously. You rely on your vehicle’s brake system more than you realize because oftentimes slowing down and stopping is a subconscious action in your automobile. 2000 Auto lists the signs that your brakes are having problems below. Bring your vehicle into our shop if you notice any of these things to prevent the risk of total brake failure.
ABS/Brake Warning Light
Your dashboard has two lights that apply to the brake system. The first is the ABS light for the antilock brake system, and the second is the brake light for the parking brake. If either of these lights come on at any time, other than when you first start your car, your brake system is reporting a problem.
Hot, Burning Smells While Braking
You should never smell anything hot when you apply your brakes. If you do, your brake system is overheating and this will make the system fail. You might smell hot chemical smells, or the odor may smell like burning carpet or cloth. Pullover right away and stop driving your automobile.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will leak from underneath your automobile behind the tires. Brake fluid can be light brown, dark brown, yellow, or red. Your car cannot stop without the proper amount of brake fluid in the system because this hydraulic fluid helps your vehicle’s brakes work.
Pulling to the Side While Braking
If your car pulls to the side when you apply the brakes, you probably have a stuck caliper. The caliper itself can be stuck or it may have a rock stuck in it. You may also have a problem with the tire inflation levels on that side of your automobile or warped rotors.
Strange Brake Pedal Sensations
Your brake pedal should feel the same underneath your foot no matter how many times you use it. If it feels squishy or it sinks to the floor, you have a problem with your brake system. The common causes of this are a failing master cylinder or air in the brake lines.
Strange Noises While Braking
Braking should be something that you do not hear. You shouldn’t hear your brakes grind or scrape, nor should you hear them squeak or squeal when you use them. You also shouldn’t hear squealing when you are in motion that stops when you apply the brakes.
Wobbling or Vibration While Braking
Finally, if your brake pedal or steering wheel shakes, vibrates, or wobbles when you apply the brakes, you might have warped rotors that need to be resurfaced. It’s important to get this done as soon as possible so that the brake pads and rotors can generate the friction your car needs to stop.
2000 Auto is the best auto service shop in Melbourne FL, and we’d be happy to inspect your car, truck, UV, or van’s brakes to make sure you aren’t in danger of having them fail. Call us today to set up an appointment for faster service.