We here at Urb’s Garage cannot stress enough how important your brake system is to your safety on the road. This is why we are available to inspect your brakes every 12,000 miles to make sure they are okay. If your car, truck, or utility vehicle starts to have any of the problems listed below, bring the automobile to our shop right away so we can repair the brakes.
Dashboard Warning Light
You may end up with a dashboard warning light that alerts you that the brake system is having problems. If the problem is in the antilock brake system, the ABS light will turn on. If the problem is in another area of the brake system, the Brake light will turn on.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Another sign that your brake system needs to be repaired is leaking brake fluid on the garage floor. The fluid will drip around the wheels. Driving with low brake fluid can make stopping your vehicle difficult if not impossible. Have the fluid leaks fixed right away.
Noises While Braking
If you hear noises when you apply the brakes, the brake system could be overheating or your brake pads may no longer have any surfaces. The former will cause a squealing sound, and the latter will cause a grinding sound. You shouldn’t hear noise when you apply the brakes.
Overheating Brakes
As we just mentioned, the brake system is going to emit squeals if it is getting too hot. You will also smell burning odors coming from the brakes. Once the brake fluid gets too hot, you will smell burning chemicals. Glazed brake pads smell like burning carpet.
Pulling to the Side
If your vehicle starts to pull to the side when you press down on the brake pedal, you have a caliper stuck on that wheel. We can replace the stuck caliper or replace all of the calipers if they need it. They generally do at 75,000 miles.
Shaking While Braking
Another problem that can occur with the calipers is they can get road debris stuck in them. When this happens, your automobile will shake when you apply the brakes. This is also a sign that the surfaces on the rotors are warped.
Squishy Brake Pedal
Finally, a squishy and soft brake pedal can make it impossible to stop your automobile. The brake pedal resistance should never change. If it does, it may be time to replace the master cylinder. You may also need to have the brake lines bled to remove air.
Urb’s Garage in Burlington or Erlanger, KY, is here to help, so call us today to set up a brake service appointment.
