Your vehicle’s brake system is never something that you should take for granted. This is the most important safety system on your automobile. Imagine what would happen if you couldn’t stop. Eddie’s Auto Service recommends that you bring your vehicle to our shop every 12,000 miles for a brake inspection. This helps us make certain that your brakes are operating as they should be. If you notice any of the following signs listed below, your brakes are going bad.
Burning Odors
Burning smells when you brake indicate that the brake system is overheating. You may smell hot chemicals or carpet. The chemical smell means that your brake fluid is boiling; the carpet smell means your brake pads have glazed. Your brakes will also squeal constantly when they are too hot.
Dashboard Warning
Your ABS and Brake light illuminate for a brief period of time when you first start your automobile. After that, the Brake light should only come on when you set the parking brake. If either light comes on at any other time, your engine control module is warning you that you have a brake system problem.
Leaking Fluid
Brake fluid is light brown to yellow when it is brand new. It turns dark brown as it ages. Brake fluid should be changed approximately every 30,000 miles. You will notice brake fluid leaking around your wheels. The fluid is also extremely oily to the touch.
Pulling/Drifting
If your vehicle pulls or drifts to the side when you apply the brakes, you have a stuck caliper. It is also possible that the caliper is fine but there is a small particle of road debris stuck in it. Your vehicle motion should not be adjusted when you apply the brakes.
Spongy Pedal
A sign that you have a problem with the master cylinder or air in the brake lines is a spongy or soft brake pedal. In severe cases, your pedal may sink all the way to the floor. If you have power brakes, your brake pedal should always stop at about 1 1/2 inches from the floorboard.
Strange Sounds
As we said above, squealing sounds indicate that your brakes are overheating but they can also indicate that the brake pads are worn. When your brake pads have worn down completely, you will hear grinding and scraping every time you apply the brakes.
Wobbling/Vibration
Finally, another sign of brake problems is wobbling or vibration when you apply the brakes. Your entire vehicle won’t shake, but your brake pedal or steering wheel will.
Call Eddie’s Auto Service in Kingston, TN, right away if you experience difficulties stopping your automobile.
