Troubleshooting Brake ProblemsBrakes Service & RepairUpdated on Apr 30, 2018 View more like this | Visit COLUMBUS, OH | Contact Shifflet Auto Care |
If you own or drive a vehicle, then you should know the signs that your car, van, truck or other vehicle is in need of brake maintenance or repair. Obviously your engine is an important part of your car because without it, your car will not go anywhere. And without your stereo, heater (in Winter) and air conditioner ( in Summer) your drive would definitely seem a lot longer, or even downright miserable. However, if you ask any mechanic, they will tell you- your brakes are the most important part of your vehicle. That is because without brakes none of these other trivial things matter if you can't stop your car. Safety is priority.
Your car will typically give you indicators that it's time for a brake syatem check up. It could be a something as easy to notice as a warning light on your dashboard. perhaps it could be a signal that isn't visible, but more noticeable to the other senses.
Warning Light-
If you see this light lit up on your vehicle's dashboard, take it in to the mechanic immediately. They can let you know what may be going on and whether it's something that needs urgent repairs.
Squealing or Scraping Sounds-
This one's hard to miss! If your car is making this awful noise when you're applying the brakes, it generally means that your brake pads need to be replaced. Brake pad wear is a common problem. Replacing the pads is a much simpler and more cost effective fix to have done instead of waiting and causing more extensive damage to other parts of your brake system.
Soft and Spongy Brake Pedal-
This is a concern that can be caused by air getting into your vehicle's brake lines and not allowing the brake fluid to flow through properly. A brake service called "bleeding the brakes" can remedy the soft pedal by ridding the lines of air.
Vibrating or Pulsating of the Brake Pedal-
This can be caused by numerous issues that will need to be addressed by a brake service mechanic. Your car's brake pads may be soiled with dirt, oil or another substance and need to be cleaned. Or your brake discs could possibly be going bad and need to be replaced. Another feasibility is that your vehicle's rotors are unevenly worn and either need to be resurfaced or replaced. Note- if your car has disc brakes, vibrating is a normal occurrence. If you're unsure, you should take your car in to be checked.
The best way to try and prevent costly brake problems is to get regular brake system inspections. Take your vehicle into an auto service center and a certified auto mechanic can discuss your brake system with you. Although you may not realize it, your brakes are the biggest component in keeping you and your family safe while travelling in car.
Your car will typically give you indicators that it's time for a brake syatem check up. It could be a something as easy to notice as a warning light on your dashboard. perhaps it could be a signal that isn't visible, but more noticeable to the other senses.
Warning Light-
If you see this light lit up on your vehicle's dashboard, take it in to the mechanic immediately. They can let you know what may be going on and whether it's something that needs urgent repairs.
Squealing or Scraping Sounds-
This one's hard to miss! If your car is making this awful noise when you're applying the brakes, it generally means that your brake pads need to be replaced. Brake pad wear is a common problem. Replacing the pads is a much simpler and more cost effective fix to have done instead of waiting and causing more extensive damage to other parts of your brake system.
Soft and Spongy Brake Pedal-
This is a concern that can be caused by air getting into your vehicle's brake lines and not allowing the brake fluid to flow through properly. A brake service called "bleeding the brakes" can remedy the soft pedal by ridding the lines of air.
Vibrating or Pulsating of the Brake Pedal-
This can be caused by numerous issues that will need to be addressed by a brake service mechanic. Your car's brake pads may be soiled with dirt, oil or another substance and need to be cleaned. Or your brake discs could possibly be going bad and need to be replaced. Another feasibility is that your vehicle's rotors are unevenly worn and either need to be resurfaced or replaced. Note- if your car has disc brakes, vibrating is a normal occurrence. If you're unsure, you should take your car in to be checked.
The best way to try and prevent costly brake problems is to get regular brake system inspections. Take your vehicle into an auto service center and a certified auto mechanic can discuss your brake system with you. Although you may not realize it, your brakes are the biggest component in keeping you and your family safe while travelling in car.
