Nobody needs an explanation to justify the importance of brakes. You cannot race a car unless you are sure that you will be able to stop or slow it down at the right time. Modern technology has helped improve the braking system to ensure stability throughout the drive.
Fully functional brakes are essential to the safety of passengers. When any issue arises, it is better to get it sorted at the earliest to avoid any kind of risk.
But how can you identify any fault with brakes?
In this blog, we will be discussing warning signs that can be picked by any driver as an indicator of time to get those brakes serviced by a trustworthy auto repair shop.
Indicators to Get Your Brakes Evaluated
When the engine stops or the headlights aren’t working, you take your vehicle to a nearby auto repair shop because there is nothing else you can do. But what are the signs that, if identified timely, can prevent a massive brake failure?
Let us look at the major few:
Dashboard Light
Auto diagnostics have revolutionized modern automobiles in identifying their own problems. Multiple dashboard lights indicate different issues with the vehicles.
Similarly, there is a warning light indicating a problem with the Anti-Braking System (ABS).
ABS is an advanced form of the conventional brake. This system ensures stability by maintaining road grip and avoiding slippage. Hence it is essential for the application of brakes in crucial conditions.
When the ABS light stays on despite releasing the hand brake, it indicates a faulty grip of the car on the road and this must be addressed at the earliest to avoid any accident.
Jerky Movement
A regular driver can easily identify if the application of brakes causes jerky movement. Your first instinct should be getting an examination of brake rotors or suspect some foreign object being lodged in the braking system.
Disturbed Alignment
Has it ever happened that you have applied brakes during a smooth ride and suddenly you realize your vehicle is being pulled to a side? This can be due to multiple reasons almost all of which lead to an uneven distribution of force to both sides of wheels. The top priority in this case should be getting your brake pads analyzed for wear and tear or getting the brake caliper fixed.
Screeching Sounds
Sometimes brakes give away shrill sounds like screeching or squealing when applied termed as ‘brake squeal’. It may just be something as little as moisture/temperature change or may be an indicator of a deadline to get your brake pads replaced. Either case requires you to approach a competent car mechanic.
Very Hard or a Very Soft Brake
The braking system should be easy to use. Vehicles have brakes that are neither too hard to handle nor too soft to have zero impact. If you are facing excessive resistance it may be due to a faulty vacuum system—however a very soft brake points towards a brake fluid leak or a problem with the brake cylinder.
Burning Smell
An overheated brake system manifests as a burning smell. What causes it? Excessive usage of brakes like traveling down a slope may result in the emission of smoke or a burning smell from your vehicle. Try giving your automobile rest immediately and book an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible.
Brake Fluid Leakage
Brake fluid leakage means faulty hydraulics which is pivotal to an optimal braking system. If you notice a yellowish, dark brown, or clear fluid underneath your car that is not water, suspect brake fluid leakage. When it happens, haste to an expert for an opinion.
However, not every liquid leaking on the tire or beneath the car is brake fluid. If the color is green you should suspect a refrigerant spillage, a pink fluid indicates transmission fluid and a golden brown fluid is indicative of engine oil leakage.
Brake Maintenance Best Practices – What Experts Recommend
Every vehicle is different and is driven in a different terrain, so the use of brakes is also different. But let us be honest, brakes are one of the most frequently used parts of any automobile. How great a car is depends largely on how good its braking system is built.
There are still rough parameters that the experts have set as a general rule:
- Replace brake pads after 12000 miles.
- Replacement of brake pads if the thickness is less than 4mm or there are visible signs of tear.
- Replacement of brake fluid after every 25000 miles.
- Replacement of rotors after 40000-45000 miles.
These limits may vary from vehicle to vehicle and can be approximated by discussing with a competent mechanic and evaluating your car’s journal.
Furthermore, heavy-duty vehicles engaged in rigorous activity undergo more wear and tear and require frequent diagnostics.
Whatever the issue might be, a trustworthy, qualified, and experienced mechanic is what you need. With so many choices at hand and the available variety of complex automobiles, it becomes overwhelming for anyone.
Top Brake Experts in Havre, MT
If you’re looking for the best brake technicians in Havre, MT, look no further than Nate’s Gona Fix It! As a veteran-owned repair shop, we aim to provide the best repair and maintenance services for all makes and models. Our mechanics are certified brake experts and can fix any and all brake troubles. You don’t need to worry about fixing anything, because Nate’s Gona Fix It for you while you relax and go about your day.
We are a family-owned business and to us, every customer is like a part of our family. So, book your appointment today and experience the difference. Call us at +1 (406) 945 9050 or book an appointment online.