Properly functioning car brakes are vital when it comes to safe driving. When your brakes need repaired, never hesitate to get them fixed. Worn out brakes are not to be underestimated. As soon as you know your brakes are not in optimal condition, bring your vehicle in to be inspected and repaired. This can help provide a safe and reliable ride when you travel.

Signs that the Brakes are bad

brake-repair-2There are a number of signs that foreshadow brake repair, and the most common ones are the easiest to detect. A steering wheel that wiggles could be a sign of brake problems. If the steering wheel jiggles back and forth every time you come to a stop, then this is a sign of worn out brake rotors. Brake rotors do not need to be changed as often as brake pads, but should still be replaced every few years. It is suggested to have your brake rotors changed every three times your brake pads are replaced. When it comes to brake pads, another observable sign of brake damage is high pitched squeaking. When your car squeals anytime you apply pressure to the brake pedal, this could be an indication of bad brake pads. The squeaking sound comes from a piece on the actual brake pad that gets exposed once the pad is worn down enough. When this indicator is exposed, it is time to replace the pads. If you begin to notice it takes more time to come to a complete stop in your vehicle, this means you have worn through the indicators on the brake pads.

What to do if the Brakes start to fail

Most brake repairs involve work related to the brake’s main parts, ranging from the master cylinder and brake lines to the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. The master cylinder is normally reliable and experiences few malfunctions but they can develop internal leaks. A warning light on your dashboard will alert you if your master cylinder has failed.  Good brake fluid is clear or slightly yellow in color. If you notice the fluid has turned dark or is dirty, the brake fluid should be changed.  Brake lines are composed of steel tubes and rubber hoses, and they provide a way for brake fluid to travel from the master cylinder to the wheels. If you notice any issues when trying to brake, make sure you bring the vehicle in as soon as you can. This can help to increase your safety when you drive.

The Emergency Brake is important

An emergency or parking brake is used in the event of a failure of the regular brakes. However, the parking brake is most commonly used when parking on a steep hill to prevent the car from rolling. When the emergency brakes fail, the probable cause is that the rubber hose that covers the brake cable has deteriorated. When this happens, the metal cable rusts rapidly and eventually breaks. If you notice that your emergency brake cable is broken, replace the brake immediately. Bring the vehicle in and we can replace the emergency brake so your vehicle is safe and reliable once again.