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A fully functioning brake system is crucial to your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other drivers on the road.
When you press down on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pressurizes a system of hydraulic brake lines leading to each of the vehicle’s wheels, where brake pads or shoes press against a disc or drum and create the necessary friction needed to slow the vehicle to a complete stop.
Over time, this friction and heat has the potential to wear down the brake shoes, brake pads, calipers, brake rotors, and other braking components. While the components comprising each brake system may vary, the warning signs for impending brake repairs are the same.
- The brake pedal seems to be spongy or presses farther to the floor than usual
- Your vehicle pulls to the right or left when you brake
- Unusual noises or vibrations occur during braking
- You have grinding, squeaking or squealing brakes
- Your steering wheel is shaking
- Your car is wobbling or pulsating when you drive at highway speeds
- It’s been over a year or 12,000 miles since the last time your brakes were inspected
- You’re near or past the number of miles your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends between brake fluid exchanges
- The brake warning light on your dashboard comes on and stays on
- Your vehicle requires longer distances to stop than it used to
- The brake pedal responds slowly
- The brake pedal requires excess pressure
Note: If your brakes are making a squealing sound or you hear grinding when your car comes to a stop, these may be signs that you need brake service immediately.
Modern cars make use of a rotor and pad design for brakes. The pads tighten around the rotor when you push down on your brake pedal. The pressure comes from fluid in the master cylinder that activates the caliper housing each set of pads.
The friction created by the pads clamping down on the rotors transforms your car’s forward momentum into heat, which is dissipated through the rotor and pad into the air around the wheel.
Given the amount of stress they are under brake rotor replacement is not an uncommon repair. Over time, the metal material coating the disc simply wears away due to friction, which is the most common reason for brake rotor replacement.
Sometimes the rotor can warp as well, which means the rotor is no longer perfectly circular and flat. This leads to uneven contact with the brake pad and translates into vibration as well as reduced stopping power.
We can perform full brake rotor replacement at AUTOVISION if needed.
Brake pads are designed to wear down with use with the front pads typically wearing faster than the back pads.
We can perform full brake pad replacement at AUTOVISION.
Bad brakes display warning signs for impending brake maintenance. For example, if your brakes squeal or grind when in use, then your brake pads may be worn and require replacements.
If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, then this may point to worn brakes, a malfunctioning caliper, or low brake fluid in the brake lines. If your brake pedal presses down too easily—also known as “spongy” brakes—then this may be an indication of too much air in the hydraulic brake lines. Sometimes, your vehicle’s electronic diagnostic system will alert you to a potential brake issue by a service indicator light on the dashboard.
While these are only some of the most common signs of potential problems with your vehicle’s brake system, noticing these signs of faulty brakes and seeking out a brake service can save you money down the line.
AUTOVISION technicians are trained in maintaining and servicing front and rear brake systems and all accompanying brake system components like brake pads, brake shoes, parking brakes, rotors, drums, and hydraulic systems. If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms of bad brakes, like unusual squealing or grinding noises, then contact us online or call us today to have your brakes inspected immediately.