Any issues with your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s brake system need immediate attention. The reason why is that the brake system is the most important safety feature on your automobile. You should have the brakes inspected every 12,000 miles to make sure they are operating as they should be. Here are signs you’ve got a problem in the brake system.
Warning Lights
One of the first things that will happen is the engine control unit, your vehicle’s main computer chip, will turn on either the ABS or Brake light if there is a problem in the brake system. If either of these lights turns on, drive straight to our shop so we can inspect the brake system.
Noisy Brakes
The brakes can also start to make noise if they are overdue for maintenance. For example, the brakes will scrape or grind if the brake pads have worn down to their backings. The brakes can also squeal to alert you that the pads need to be replaced.
Wobbling Vehicle
Your automobile may start to wobble or vibrate if there is an issue with the calipers or the rotors. Specifically, the calipers can get road debris stuck inside of them. In the case of the rotors, the surfaces can warp if they are not maintained every 60,000 miles.
Leaking Fluid
A brake system that is leaking brake fluid makes it dangerous to drive your vehicle. As you have seen in the movies and TV, an automobile cannot stop if it doesn’t have any brake fluid. As such, you should have a brake system leak fixed as soon as possible.
Hot Brakes
Your brakes will squeal if they are getting too hot. They will also release strong burning odors. If you have both things going on when you apply the brakes, the brake system is overheating. Consequently, the system may fail and you will be able to stop your automobile.
Pedal Trouble
Finally, the brake pedal should always give you the same amount of resistance. If it gets too hard, you have sludge in the brake lines. If it gets too soft, you have air in the brake lines or the master cylinder needs to be replaced. We can take care of all of these problems.
Give us a call today if it has been over 12,000 miles since you have had the brakes on your automobile inspected. We will check the system thoroughly and address any problems.
