You rely on your car’s brakes without even thinking about it. You press down on the brake pedal to slow down and stop automatically. Because this is the most important safety system on your automobile, it’s an excellent idea to have the brakes inspected every 12,000 miles. We can do that here. Definitely bring your automobile to our shop if you notice any of the following signs that the brakes are going bad.
ABS or Brake Light
Your brake system does have a dashboard warning light. The ABS light will alert you if there are problems with the antilock brake system. The Brake light will warn you if there are problems with the brake system such as low brake pad depth. You may also have a low pad depth indicator light on the dashboard.
Leaking Brake Fluid
A definite sign that your vehicle has brake problems is leaking brake fluid. Generally, brake fluid is light brown to dark brown or red. If you see spots of these colors on your garage floor behind the wheels, you have a brake fluid leak from the master cylinder or brake.
Noises When Braking
Your brake system will also tell you that it is struggling when you apply the brakes. You may hear squealing sounds that can be an indication that the brake system is overheating. You might also hear grinding or scraping sounds that point to low brake pads.
Overheating Brakes
Aside from squealing, if your brakes are overheating you will smell hot or burning odors coming from each wheel. If it smells like burning chemicals, your brake fluid is boiling. If it smells like burning carpet, your brake pads have glazed. These conditions can prevent your brake system from working.
Pulling to the Side
Your vehicle might also pull to the side if there is a problem with the calipers. Specifically, a caliper can get stuck in your vehicle will pull in that direction. We can inspect the calipers and replace the stuck caliper if it needs it.
Spongy Brake Pedal
Your brake pedal should always give you resistance when you press down on it. If it feels spongy or sinks to the floor, you may have air in the brake lines. This is also a sign that your master cylinder is malfunctioning.
Call us today if you are having problems with your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s brakes. We would be happy to inspect the system and make any necessary repairs.
