Signs You Need Brake Repair: Grinding, Shaking, Pulling, and Soft Brake Pedals
When it comes to staying safe in your vehicle on your long summer road trips, there are fewer parts more important than your brakes. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to brake maintenance schedules, as well as any signs your brake system may show that it needs repair. Your North Branch auto techs at Total Auto Care will walk you through what signs your brakes may give off when they need fixing.
Signs Your Brakes Need Repair
Grinding or High Pitched Sounds
Once brake pads wear down, the plates beneath them will press against the rotors with no protective cushioning. This can cause heavy metallic grinding sounds, and can lead to damage on the two parts if the pads are not replaced quickly. If you hear high pitched squealing or screeching when you brake, however, you are in better luck — even if it sounds terrible on the ears. The screeching is caused by a built-in indicator that your pads are nearly worn out. However, if these noises are ignored and the brake pads are not replaced, then the grinding can start.
Shaking or Vibrating Brakes
Pressing down on the brake pedal should feel smooth. If your pedal vibrates when you press on it, or your steering wheel or car shakes when you brake, your brakes are in need of repair. This could be an issue or damaged or warped brake rotors, or simply worn pads leading to the grinding we mentioned above, but we recommend having your local North Branch experts take a look to be safe.
Car Pulling to the Side
A car’s brake system should apply evenly to both sides of your vehicle. If your car veers to the right or left when you brake, there is a problem; one that could endanger you. A pulling car can be caused by uneven wear in the brake line from the caliper or contaminated brake fluid.
Soft Brake Pedals
If you notice your brake pedal starts to respond differently — it feels spongy or takes longer to respond than it used to — there is something in the brake system that needs repair. Some potential causes are leaked fluid, air in the fluid, worn pads or rotors, or even a hydraulics issue. In the same way, suddenly over-sensitive brakes can be indicative of needed repair, likely due to uneven wear on the brake pads or needing new fluid. Total Auto Care technicians can help you diagnose the exact problem for either issue.
Fluid Puddle Under Your Car
A mysterious puddle under your car is almost always a bad sign. If you determine the puddle is a pool of brake fluid — brake fluid has a color range of clear to yellow, and a slippery, oily texture — your system has a leak, which makes your brakes unreliable.
Brake Maintenance and Repair in North Branch, MN
If you encounter any of the signs and symptoms discussed above, then it’s time to bring your car in for brake repair. Luckily, though, most of these issues are caused by long term wear and tear, which means they can usually be prevented through proper brake maintenance. Auto brake maintenance services include regular inspections and replacing brake pads and rotors. Most manufacturers recommend brake inspections about every year or every other oil change. Brake fluid should be flushed approximately every two years. Brake pads and rotor replacement schedules can vary greatly depending on driving conditions, with drivers who frequently brake hard and drive in stop-and-go traffic needing replacement closer to every 30,000 miles and those who drive less or do more highway driving possibly extending to 60,000 miles. Talk to your Total Auto Care technician about the best schedule for you and your vehicle.
If your brakes need repair, maintenance, or an inspection, Total Auto Care in North Branch can help you out. Give us a call, book an appointment, or stop by, and we’ll make sure your brakes are good for the road.
