Is It Time to Service Your Brakes?
When you apply your brake pedal, you activate the brake pads and cause them to contact the rotors to slow down the car.
Now that you know a little more about how the brakes work let us look at telltale signs of brake system issues.
The brake light is on
This is the most visible sign of potential brake issues. This could be a simple case of the parking brake is still engaged or indicates low brake fluid, which is often a result of worn brake pads.
Fluid stains on your driveway or in your garage
This could be a sign of brake fluid leaking from the reservoir, a corroded brake pipe, or other areas.
A burning chemical odor (like the smell of burnt carpet)
Possible overheated brakes or an e-brake/parking brake that has been left on while driving. Pullover to a safe place, and if it’s your parking brake that been left on then let the brakes cool off before driving again.
Hearing a distinctive screeching or grinding sound when you apply the brakes
This sound is one of the clearest indicators of potential brake issues. You could have worn out brake pads and/or rotors and should take your car for inspection and service asap to avoid costly damages.
Car pulling to one side when braking
If you apply the brakes and your car swerves to one side of the road or the other it is likely that there is something wrong with the brake system. Typical causes include issues with brake hose, impurities in the brake fluid, and/or uneven wear on the brake pads or rotors.
The brake pedal is soft or having to apply more pressure to the brake pedal than you used to or press the brake pedal all the way to the floor in to stop
This could indicate a number of issues including worn out pads or air in the brake system or low brake fluid.
Shaking, vibrating or other odd motions abnormal for the car when you apply the brakes
This could indicate issues with the pads, warped or damaged rotors and should be looked at immediately to avoid any dangerous situations.
If you experience any of the above potential brake system issues, don’t ignore the problem and continue to drive, as not only you’re endangering the safety of yourself and your family but you can also cause costly damage to your brake system. Just give a call us and make a service appointment.
Angel’s Transmission and Auto Repair has been serving clients in Mission Viejo and nearby communities for nearly three decades. Our technicians are continuously training to stay updated on the latest information and technology. The skilled and certified technicians average 20 years of experience in the Automotive Repair Industry.
Call us (949) 587-9060 for an appointment or fill out our contact form and let us help you with transmission repair services or general auto repair.
