Great automotive brake service
Brake Pads - Brake Rotors - Brake Fluid Service - Brake Booster - Brake Calipers - Brake Master Cylinder - Brake Drums
Having poor working brakes verses properly working brakes can mean the difference between getting in an accident and avoiding an accident all together. Brakes are something we often take for granted. As your brakes wear down, so does your vehicle’s affective stopping distance and we all know what a difference even a few feet can make. There are many signs that your vehicle needs a brake inspection and possibly new brakes or a brake flush service. While some of the signs are common sense, not all of the warning signs are completely obvious. Below are a few warning signs to look for. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should have you vehicle inspected immediately. If you can’t stop your vehicle safely it would then be wise to have your vehicle towed in.
Signs that your brakes may not be safe.
Soft brake pedal feel. If you can push easily and almost all the way to the floor, it is not safe to drive this vehicle. You may have a number of issues like a failing brake line, low brake fluid or over heated brakes just to name a few possible causes.
Very hard brake pedal feel. Make sure you don't have any thing stuck underneath the brake pedal such as a floor mat or another object. You may have a number of issues like a failing brake booster or a frozen brake caliper. It is best to be on the safe side and have your vehicle's brakes inspected.
ABS (anti-lock-brakes) warning indicator light on. If it is an ABS light this typically means that your ABS system is not working and that could be due to an ABS Wheel speed sensor failure. If the ABS is coming on when braking under normal conditions or in some newer vehicles the brakes and ABS are being applied with out you even touching the pedal, it is not safe to drive, pull over and have your vehicle towed in for service. If it is the brake indicator light you may have the parking brake partially engaged. Check to make sure your parking brake is off. Both of these issues require attention and should be inspected as soon as possible.
Constant squealing coming from the wheels. Many new brake pads have a built in squeal bar incorporated into the pad. It is designed to rub against the brake disc when the pad is completely worn down. This emits an annoying sound. That means it’s time to have your brake pads replaced.
A pulsating pedal feel. Also something else you may notice is a steering wheel vibration when braking. This is a sign that your brake rotors have worn down un-evenly and is not having a smooth contact between the rotors and brake pads. Usually if the rotors have not been worn down completely we can turn them and even out the rotor surface, but if your rotors are severely warped and worn beyond being able to turn them, then it’s time to replace your rotors and brake pads.
Squeaking or grinding brakes. This may be the most common symptom. If this symptom is only occurring every once in a while it may be normal. Sometimes moisture will get into the brake pads and cause them to squeak until the moisture is gone. Some brake pads will squeak more than others because of the rate that they absorb moisture. A little grinding after the vehicle has been sitting for a while is normal as the rotor surface may be slightly corroded. If these symptoms do not go away after a moderate drive you should have your brakes inspected. If your brakes are grinding and squeaking you should have your vehicle towed in because your brakes may be completely worn down and unsafe.
