Your car, truck, or utility vehicle will never need brake repair if you have the brakes inspected every 12,000 miles. Accurate Auto Center advises that these brake inspections give us the chance to replace the brake fluid and any worn brake parts before they create a problem. This being said, here are the signs that your brakes need to be repaired for your information. You rely on your brake system every day, so don’t take it for granted.
ABS or Brake Warning Light
Today’s automobiles are equipped with anti-lock brake systems. An illuminated ABS light on the dashboard is an indication that the ABS is malfunctioning. For vehicles that do not have anti-lock brakes, your Brake light will turn on to warn you of any brake system problems.
Grinding or Squealing Noises
Your brakes may also make grinding or squealing noises if the brake pad surface is getting too low. Squealing noises are also a sign that your brakes are overheating. You should not hear anything except your engine RPMs slowing down when you apply the brakes.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Another indication that your brake system needs to be repaired is leaking brake fluid. Brake fluid is either brown or red. The spots on your garage floor are usually found around your wheels. Leaking brake fluid can come from the master cylinder or the brake lines.
Overheating Brake System
As we mentioned above, if your brakes are squealing when you press down on the brake pedal, your brake system could be overheating. Another sign that the brakes are too hot is burning smells such as chemicals or carpet. Overheating brakes will fail eventually.
Pulling to the Side
If the direction of your vehicle changes when you apply the brakes, you likely have a stuck caliper. On average, the calipers need to be replaced every 75,000 miles. If your vehicle has more miles than that, the calipers may start to stick and your vehicle will pull to the side.
Spongy Brake Pedal
Air in the brake lines can make your brake pedal spongy when you press down on it. This is also a symptom of a malfunctioning master cylinder. Your brake pedal should give you the same amount of resistance every time you use it.
Wobbling or Vibration
Finally, if your vehicle wobbles or vibrates when you apply the brakes, it might be time to resurface the rotors. After constant pressure from the brake pads, the rotors need to be resurfaced every 60,000 miles. The wobbling might also be caused by a tiny rock in a caliper.
Accurate Auto Center is the best auto service stop in Tomball, TX, so call us today if you are experiencing any of the brake problems listed above.