No matter how rugged and resilient you believe your vehicle to be, regular maintenance and repair are still essential. Neglecting major components such as brakes, engines, and radiators can be risky. Specifically, failing to check and maintain your brakes regularly is a significant safety hazard.
Regular brake repair and servicing are crucial for a safe driving experience and the longevity of your car. Therefore, you must pay attention to brake issues that your vehicle often indicates. If you notice any of the warning signs discussed in this article, a professional auto brake repair service is necessary. Read along to know the signs!
Spot The Signs for Prompt Auto Brake Repair
Your vehicle’s brakes protect you from major accidents. While most people avoid getting them checked on time, paying attention to their regular maintenance is important. Here are the 7 signs you must spot if your vehicle needs an auto brake repair or inspection.
1. Brake Lights Indication
If your brake light indicator, typically red, orange, or yellow, appears on the dashboard, it signals the need for brake servicing or alerts you to a potential issue. These lights will indicate all of the following issues differently.
Worn Out Brake Pads: Brake lights indicate that your brake pads may be wearing out, along with other potential issues that are not immediately visible.
Low Brake Fluid: This light will flash when your brake fluid levels are low. You can top off the fluid to maintain proper brake function or visit your local auto brake repair shop.
Parking Brake Indication: If this light appears, the parking brake is engaged or faulty. Engage/disengage the brake to try to resolve it. If it remains unresolved, see an expert mechanic.
2. Squeaking or Grinding Noises
Unusual brake noises aren't always a problem; they could be caused by debris or brake-pad wear indicators. A high-pitched squealing when driving, which stops when braking, suggests worn brake pads. Grinding noises during braking may indicate debris in the caliper or fully worn pads. If you hear these noises, have a professional inspect your brakes promptly.
3. Wobbling or Vibration
Wobbling, vibrating, or pulsing when braking indicates uneven rotors, which are essential components of your disc brakes. Over time, rotor surfaces can wear unevenly, causing vibrations. This happens when brake pad material transfers unevenly to the rotors. During brake servicing, rotors should be smoothed or replaced if excessively worn. Steering wheel vibrations while driving can also signal rotor issues, necessitating a mechanic's inspection.
4. Fluid Leakage
If your brakes are problematic and your vehicle leaks fluid, a service technician should inspect for leaks, whether from the master cylinder or elsewhere in the brake system. Brake fluid leaks can lead to insufficient power to engage the brake pads effectively, affecting overall braking performance and safety. Prompt attention from a technician is crucial to address these issues.
5. Soft Brakes
When pressing the brakes, ensure you feel resistance; a soft or sinking pedal may indicate air or moisture in the brake system or a faulty master cylinder near the brake pedal. This cylinder initiates braking action; if defective, it won't engage the calipers effectively. Promptly service your vehicle to ensure braking safety.
6. Brake Imbalance
If your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, it could indicate issues with brake hoses or calipers. Uneven braking pressure from a faulty caliper can cause this imbalance. Regular brake inspection at a professional auto brake repair shop can detect and address these issues early, preventing potential problems from worsening.
7. Burning Smell
If you detect a strange smell while driving, especially a sharp chemical odor after hard braking, pull over safely. This could indicate overheated brakes or a malfunctioning brake caliper. Allow brakes to cool with the parking brake off. If smoke is visible, seek immediate repair to prevent brake failure.
Reasons Behind Brake Failures
There are multiple reasons behind faulty brakes, some of which we have discussed below.
Owner negligence and frequent city driving.
Brake pads overheat from heavy use, reducing stopping efficiency and grip.
Damaged rotor disks reduce brake pad lifespan and braking effectiveness.
Leaking hydraulic fluid can impair braking.
Driving through mud or water can lubricate brakes.
Low hydraulic brake fluid reduces stopping power.
Overloading alters braking and may harm the system.
Brake Problems? Phoenix Auto Repair Has You Covered!
Safety is always a top priority for every car owner. However, ignoring some minor issues can even lead you to major trouble. One of these significant issues is related to the brakes of your vehicle. Even though your car would let you know if it's in trouble, sometimes you have to check it out on your own.
So, if you are facing brake problems, Phoenix Auto Repair is the right one to consult. As a full-service automotive repair shop, we excel in treating your vehicle right. Our seasoned technicians strive to provide the best auto brake repair services. Whether you need a routine brake inspection or a single brake issue, we've got you covered for all. We help keep your rotor in excellent condition and the brake pads in top shape.
Contact us to schedule a prompt inspection or repair! Let's help you achieve a secure driving experience!
FAQs
How do I know if my brakes need repair?
Following are the indications your vehicle provides to let you know that it needs an auto brake repair.
Red, orange, or yellow lights appear on the dashboard.
Squeezing or grinding sounds while braking.
Vibration or wobbling indicates uneven rotors.
Brake fluid leakage.
A soft or sinking pedal.
The vehicle gets out of balance while braking.
Sharp chemical odor or burning smell.
How much does it cost to fix the brakes on a car?
Brake repairs covering pads, rotors, and calipers generally cost between $200 and $800, varying based on vehicle type and the specific parts selected for the service.
Can I drive my car with bad brakes?
Maintaining your brakes means looking after your tires, too! It's crucial not to drive on worn-out brakes, even temporarily. Once you realize they're worn, avoid using them until you can get them repaired at a shop.
Who does the best auto brake repair in Nashville, TN?
Following are the top places on Yelp to get auto brake repair services in Nashville, TN:
Budget Brakes
Discount Tire
Carl Wood's Garage
Precision Tune Auto Care