If your brakes fail, you may be unable to stop your automobile. The brake system is the most important safety system on your car, truck, or C/SUV. This is why it’s important to have the brakes inspected annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Journey Auto Repair can help you with your vehicle’s brake system. If your brakes are going bad, your car will do the following things.
ABS/Brake Warnings
First of all, you may end up with a warning light on the dashboard. In the case of the brake system, it will either be the ABS or Brake light. Either light will stay illuminated until you have the problem with the brake system resolved.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Another thing your car will do is leak brake fluid if there is a problem with the master cylinder or brake hoses. Brake fluid generally leaks around the wheels. You will see brown or red spots on your garage floor. In severe cases, you might see puddles.
Poor Brake Performance
Your car’s brake performance will also suffer if the brake system needs to be serviced or repaired. Specifically, it will be more difficult to get your automobile to slow down and stop and the stopping distance will increase. This is a dangerous sign that the brake system is going bad.
Pulling to the Side
Your vehicle might also pull to the side when you apply the brakes if there is a problem with one of the brake calipers. Usually, the caliper will stick and cause the wheel to pull your vehicle in that direction. Your vehicle shouldn’t pull to either side when you apply the brakes.
Squealing/Grinding
Squealing or grinding noises are an indication that the brake system is in trouble. Your brakes can overheat if the system is having problems. When they do, they will squeal and you will smell hot odors. Grinding noises are a sign that the brake pads have worn out. More on that below.
Vehicle Vibration
If your vehicle vibrates when you apply the brakes, your brake pads surfaces may be gone, the rotors may be warped, or you may have rocks stuck in the calipers. Braking your automobile should not make your car, truck, or C/SUV vibrate.
Worn Brake Pads
Finally, your brake system needs preventative maintenance if the brake pads have worn out. As we said above, when this happens, you will hear grinding sounds and your vehicle may vibrate.
Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, is here to help, so give us a call today to schedule a brake inspection.