Properly functioning car brakes are vital when it comes to safe driving. When your brakes need repaired, never hesitate to get them fixed. A single moment of traction loss could mean hospital time or worse. Worn out brakes are not to be underestimated. As soon as you know your brakes are not in optimal condition, bring your car into the shop for an inspection and repair. Never risk your life or other lives by driving on unreliable brakes.
Detecting Bad Brakes
There are a number of signs that foreshadow brake repair, and the most common ones are the easiest to detect. When you are driving, do you feel the steering wheel shake? A steering wheel that wiggles could be a sign of brake problems. If the steering wheel jiggles back and forth every time you come to a stop, then this is a sign of worn out brake rotors. Brake rotors don’t need to be changed as often as brake pads, but should still be replaced every few years. It is suggested to have your brake rotors changed every three times your brake pads are replaced. When it comes to brake pads, another observable sign of brake damage is high pitched squeaking. When your car squeals anytime you apply pressure to the brake pedal, this could be an indication of bad brake pads. The squeaking sound comes from a piece on the actual brake pad that gets exposed once the pad is worn down enough. When this indicator is exposed, it’s time to replace the pads. To be safe, they should be changed within two to three weeks, otherwise you could fail to make a stop at any moment. If you begin to notice it takes more time to come to a complete stop in your vehicle, this means you have worn through the indicators on the brake pads. This is another common sign of brake malfunction. This is a serious sign that requires immediate attention. It is extremely dangerous to drive with brakes this bad, especially in bad weather.
Brake System Parts and Failures
Most brake repairs involve work related to the brake’s main parts, ranging from the master cylinder and brake lines to the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. Ask one of our technicians to help you establish a regular maintenance schedule for your brakes and other parts of your car. Familiarize yourself with the basic parts of your brake system, and you’ll be able to better communicate with our mechanic when you discuss your auto repair estimate. The master cylinder is normally reliable and experiences few malfunctions but they can develop internal leaks. When left unattended, the leak can cause the brake pedal to work intermittently or fail altogether. A warning light on your dashboard will alert you if your master cylinder has failed. Healthy brake fluid is clear or slightly yellow in color. If you notice the fluid has turned dark or is dirty, ask your mechanic to change the brake fluid. Brake lines are composed of steel tubes and rubber hoses, and they provide a way for brake fluid to travel from the master cylinder to the wheels. Any failed pathway will need to be replaced immediately by your mechanic. Brake pads wear down and require periodic replacement. Rotors incur wear and tear over time due to friction with the brake pad and the brakes. Essential to your car’s ability to stop and start, calipers fit over the rotor like a clamp. If the calipers lock, your brake pads will wear down quickly and ultimately damage the rotor.
The Emergency Brake
An emergency or parking brake is used in the event of a failure of the regular brakes. However, the parking brake is most commonly used when parking on a steep hill to prevent the car from rolling. When the emergency brakes fail, the probable cause is that the rubber hose that covers the brake cable has deteriorated. When this happens, the metal cable rusts rapidly and eventually breaks. If you notice that your emergency brake cable is broken, replace the brake immediately. This can be simple to do but if you are not comfortable fixing the problem yourself, it is wise to contact your local mechanic.
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