Your car's braking system is a very important part of ensuring your safety when driving. Just like any other car parts, they wear out over time, especially with constant use. Other than that, there are certain things that you need to know about your brakes to make sure they're still working in good condition. That is why you should consider getting regular brake maintenance services.
The brake system in your vehicle is composed of a hydraulic clamp that slows and stops the rotation of the wheels. However, if you hear your brakes squealing or grinding or if your vehicle shudders when you step on the brakes, there's definitely something wrong with your brakes. The loud noises you hear can also indicate that the brake pads need to be replaced or perhaps no pressure is released on the pads, meaning the brake caliper is faulty.
In this article, you will know everything about car brake repair and maintenance services. Other than squealing brakes and shuddering engines, there are other things that you must be aware of. If you are able to diagnose the problem, you should also know the best brake repair and service shop to call.
Everything You Need to Know About Car Brake Repair and Maintenance
When it comes to car brake repairs and maintenance, you should know the most common brake problems to be able to tell when your car needs service. Don't wait till your car runs into a brake problem before you have it checked or inspected. If the rotors, pads, and other brake components are worn down beyond repair, they would need to be replaced at a pricey cost.
7 Most Common Brake Problems and How to Fix Them
1. Squeaks and grinding noise
If you hear squeaks or grinding noises every time you step on the brake, it may be because your disc pads and caliper are vibrating. You can easily fix this by replacing the rotors, installing new pads, or applying brake grease on the backs of the pads.
2. "Airy" or soft pedal
Your pedal should not feel soft or spongy every time you step on it. If it does, it means there has been improper bleeding, fluid leak, or low brake fluid level. This can be easily fixed by bleeding the brakes and adding the right amount of brake fluid.
3. Low brake fluid
Check the level of your brake fluid and see if there's a leak. It's best to inspect the calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake lines, and master cylinders. Once you see the faulty part, make sure to replace it. Don't drive your car if your brake fluid has a leak to avoid accidents.
4. Pedal sinks to the floor
If your brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor when you step on the break, there's a leak somewhere in your brake system. Check your calipers, brake lines, and the brake master cylinder to find the culprit. You can easily replace the leaking part to make sure your brake pedal feels firm and safe to use again.
5. Pedal pulsates and vehicle shudders
This signifies that your brake rotors are faulty and need to be replaced. Since the surface of the brake rotors wear down over time as they collect deposits of brake material, they will eventually begin to vibrate or shake your car every time you step on the pedal. You'll just have to replace them in order to stop the pedal pulsation and vibration.
6. Break light is on
If you see the brake light indicator on your dashboard, don't neglect this warning sign. This could mean it's time for your regular brake maintenance service or perhaps signifies a potential problem. It's best to refer to your car owner's manual and see what are the possible causes for the indicator. If it's an alert to a problem, contact a technician immediately.
7. Scraping noise and screeching sound
When metal-to-metal come into contact, you'll hear a scraping or screeching noise every time you use the brake. This means that you will likely have to replace a lot of parts like drum and rotors, new linings, and brake hardware. The screeching sound you hear is an indication that your brakes need immediate attention.
How to Maintain your Braking System
Your car's braking system may be complex but it's actually quite easy to maintain. In fact, you can easily fix the most common brake problems listed above with the right tools. If you're not up for the task, there's always an auto repair shop that can do the job for you. Either way, these are the parts that you should regularly check to make sure they're still in good working condition.
1. Brake pads and rotors - Brake pads and rotors work hand in hand to make sure your braking system works effectively. Faulty rotors can lead to the brake pads wearing out more quickly. Check them regularly to see if the brake pads or rotors need to be replaced.
2. Brake fluid - There are 3 things that you need to inspect when it comes to your brake fluid. First, check the reservoir and clean it if it's dirty. Second, check the level and refill if it's low. If empty, bleed the brake system. Lastly, check the color of the fluid. If it's dark it may need to be changed.
3. Brake line - Brake lines are supposed to last as long as your car's life but debris and rough driving cause cracks or holes in them. This leads to leakage which can compromise your brake. Check for any leaks and see if your brake line is damaged and needs to be replaced.
4. Master cylinder - A faulty master cylinder can badly affect your car's braking system. A master cylinder typically lasts between 70,000 to 110,000 miles however, its rubber seals wear out over time. If your master cylinder has gone bad, replace it immediately.
5. Brake calipers - The brake caliper creates friction with the brake rotors to slow the car's wheels. It fits like a clamp on a wheel's rotor that stops the wheels from turning when you step on the brakes. It's important to check this part of your vehicle and replace the parts if necessary.
Your car's braking system deserves as much attention as all the other systems in your vehicle. After all, it's what keeps you from colliding with traffic on the road. A good braking system allows you to have a safe and comfortable drive.
You can easily diagnose and determine your car's brake problems with the information you've just read above. But if you have no time to do it yourself or if you're not up for the job, contact your nearest car repair shop and trusted mechanics so they can look at it.
Don't wait before it's too late. Schedule a regular car brake repair and maintenance now!