All brake problems should receive immediate attention because the brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety system. Clark’s Car Care can inspect your brakes and repair them if you notice any of the following signs of brake trouble. Bring your vehicle to our shop sooner rather than later to prevent additional damage to the brake system.
Noises When Braking
Your brakes may squeak a little when they are wet but that noise should dissipate quickly. The brakes should not squeak all the time or squeal. They also shouldn’t grind or scrape. The only thing you should hear when you apply the brakes is the engine’s RPMs slowing down.
Wobbling When Braking
Your vehicle shouldn’t wobble when you apply the brakes, either. If it does, there could be a problem with the rotor surfaces or you may have a rock stuck in a caliper. The former can make it difficult to stop your automobile because the rotor surfaces must be cut to generate friction.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Leaking brake fluid is another thing that cannot be ignored. Your brake system needs fluid in order to slow down and stop your automobile. If you see brown or red spots around the tires on the garage floor, your brake system is leaking fluid out of the hoses or the master cylinder.
Squishy Brake Pedal
A squishy or soft brake pedal is an indication that the master cylinder needs to be replaced. It can also be a sign that you have air bubbles in the brake lines. Both of these things can make it difficult to stop your automobile. Your brake pedal should always give you the same resistance.
Pulling to the Side
If your automobile pulls to the side when you apply the brakes, the caliper on that wheel is stuck. We can release the caliper and replace it if necessary. Applying the brakes should not change the direction of your car, truck, or utility vehicle. It should continue to go straight.
Hot or Burning Odors
If you hear squealing noises that are accompanied by hot or burning odors coming from the brakes, pull over and park your automobile. This is a sign that the brakes are overheating. Once the brakes get too hot, they will fail and you will be unable to stop your vehicle.
Dashboard Warning Light
Finally, you may end up with a warning light on the dashboard that applies to the brakes. This light could be the ABS light or the Brake light. These lights may come on without any of the other symptoms listed above, or they may accompany the symptoms listed above.
Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, is here to help, so let us inspect and repair your brake system today.