Your car’s brakes are the most critical part of your vehicle. How well your brakes work is a major factor in the safety of your family. A major cause of fatal accidents is a brake failure or that has become worn. There are several ways to tell if your brakes are failing.
Grinding
If you hear a grinding sound when you apply brakes, your brake pads must be replaced immediately. It could be a caliper, or in extreme cases, a metal component of the brake pads.
No matter what the problem, it is important to have it examined immediately.
Squealing
High-pitched squealing is usually a sign that your brake pads have worn down. High-pitched squealing can also be caused by brake dust buildup on your brake pads. You can also experience a high-pitched squeal from rust or debris on the rotors. This should be brought to our auto repair shop.
Loss of pressure
The brake pedals should feel firm when you press down on them. This feeling should intensify as you push down. If you feel no resistance when pressing down on the brake pedal, this could indicate that your brake lines may be leaking. It could also indicate that your entire brake system is failing in serious cases.
If you feel like your driving is losing pressure, pull over quickly and call our auto repair company.
Pedal Vibrations
If the rotors are worn or warped by friction or heat, you may feel vibrations on your brake pedals. This should be reported immediately.
Let’s now see how to keep your brakes in good condition.
Checking the Brake Fluid Levels
Checking the level of your brake fluid is one of the most important things a car driver needs to do. First, locate the location of your fluid reservoir.
The fluid reservoir of your car has level markers that can help you find the right level of your brake fluid.
It is also important to ensure that you are using the correct type of brake fluid. You may find that your car manufacturer has recommended a particular type of fuel to work best with your car’s system. We recommend that you use this fuel.
You can still determine the type of fuel that your brakes require by visiting our auto service. We will help you to find out.
Brake Fluid Replacement
If the fluid is low, most people just top it up. Condensation can build up over time. The master cylinders as well as the wheel cylinders of the brake fluid may be damaged if it is infiltrated.
It is therefore important to change your brake fluid at least every two years, or after you have driven 25,000 miles.
Find the bleeder screw located at the back of the brakes to change the fluid. You may inflict serious damage if you don’t have the tools necessary to open the screws. The brake fluids will drain off if the bleeder screws have been slightly opened. While you’re doing this, ask another person to pump your brakes. Next, add new fluid to the brake fluid reservoirs.
After you have done that, tighten the bleeder screws and move on to the next brake. After you have filled all the reservoirs, pump the brakes several times to ensure that the pedals are properly inflated.
The Master Cylinder and Brake Lines should be checked
Your brake system’s master cylinder is also known as the brake lines. These two components transfer brake fluid from your reservoir to the brakes. It is crucial that all lines are free from leaks.
Check for leaks by inspecting the joints between master cylinder and brake lines first. Pay attention to the brake lines that lead to the reservoir.
Take a look at the Brake Pads
Brake pads absorb heat and are what you feel when you brake. The possibility of them becoming worn out is high. Brake pads can be seen from the outside of some cars. Depending on the model and manufacturer of the vehicle, some brake pads may be hidden.
Every 6,000 miles, you should inspect your brake pads. To check the condition of your brake pads, remove your wheels. You should see wear evenly on your brake pads and they should be at least 5 millimeters thick. You can bring them to our automotive service company if they are very worn.
Take a look at the Brake Rotors
You should also check your brake pads when it comes time to inspect them. Both of these components come in contact with your brake pedals when you apply the brakes.
Make sure your rotors are smooth. If grooves appear on the surface, this is usually a sign that your brake pads have begun to wear. You can take your car to our auto repair shop to have the rotors removed and ground back to a smooth finish if the damage is not severe. If the damage is severe, however, you may need to replace your brakes.
After your rotors are resurfaced make sure you install new brake pads.
If your brakes aren’t in good condition, it is illegal to remove your car. Failing brakes can cause injury to not only you, your family and friends but also other motorists and pedestrians. You should have them checked as soon as you notice any problems.
