Recognize these Symptoms of Brake Problems?

Because brake parts have a definite lifespan, they need to be regularly serviced and sometimes replaced. Fortunately, your vehicle will give you some clear signals that it’s time for a brake service. Thankfully, not every brake noise requires a repair. It could be a harmless squeak from certain types of material in brake pads, there may be dust or moisture somewhere in the braking system, or you may just need to add new brake fluid. But be sure to have your brakes inspected to be sure.

Every driver should know about these symptoms of brake problems:

• Dashboard brake light comes on. This may simply mean you’re just due for a brake service. Or it could be your vehicle’s computer alerting you to a real problem. Make sure the parking brake isn’t engaged.

• Squealing, squeaking or grinding. These are indicators that the brake pad is starting to wear out and come in contact with a rotor; the brake pads may be worn through creating grooves in the brake rotor; lack of lubrication or the brake shoe could be rusty.
• Wobbling, vibration or scraping. A shaking in the steering wheel or vibration when applying the brakes can be caused by an uneven rotor, rust, a rotor hitting the brake pad, a brake caliper not releasing properly, sticky pistons, or improper wheel lug nut installation.
• Spongy or soft brake pedal. A soft brake pedal may mean there is a fluid leak from the master cylinder or elsewhere in the brake system, and there may not be enough hydraulic pressure to force the brake pads to clamp hard to the rotors. Or, if the brake pedal feels “soft,” or sinks all the way to the floor, there could be air or moisture in the braking system or a problem with the master cylinder.
• The car pulls to one side when braking. This could be caused by a bad brake hose or a problem with the calipers (one may be applying more or all the pressure), resulting in unbalanced stopping.
• Burning smell while driving. A sharp, chemical odor is a sign of overheated brakes or clutch. Pull over immediately in a safe place, check your parking brake to make sure it’s fully released, and allow the brakes to cool. If there is smoke coming from a wheel, it may be a stuck caliper and unsafe to continue driving on without repairs.

Putting off brake service could put you and your passengers at unnecessary risk. And like with a lot of automotive problems, the longer you put it off, the bigger the repair bill.

Are you noticing the symptoms of brake problems in your vehicle? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.