BRAKE REPAIRS
Most of us don’t give much thought to our brakes; we press the brake pedal many times throughout our drive and take it for granted that they will work every time, without fail. However, the complex brake system is one of the most important and heavily used components in your car. There is never a good time for your brakes to fail. If you don’t regularly maintain your brakes or get them checked when you notice a warning sign, you may be looking at costly brake repairs. More importantly, you may be putting yourself, your family, or others on the road at risk.
What causes wear and tear on the brake system
- The deterioration of brake pads depends on several factors such as the amount of time driven, climate, and frequency of stops.
- Repeated braking places heat into the brake pads and rotors. Repetitive, heavy braking does not allow the heat time to disperse and can warp the rotors.
- A heavy load on your vehicle; such as transporting very heavy items or towing a caravan or trailer, can also contribute to a shorter lifespan of the brake system.
What are some warning signs you need a brake check or brake repairs?
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to get your brakes professionally checked;- Through driver feel Many times, the driver will be the first to notice any problems. There may be a vibration or brake shudder, your brakes feel spongy or ‘soft’ and your car takes longer or requires more force to stop than normal, or there is a strange grinding or screeching noise when you brake. Brake pads are usually the first in the brake system to fail and are designed to make a screeching sound to alert the driver to the problem. * Remember; sometimes this process can happen gradually, so that you may not notice the decrease in performance. This is when a qualified mechanic can determine the quality of your braking system for you.
- Your Brake System warning light flashes All cars have a brake warning light that comes on for a few seconds every time you start your car. If it comes on while driving, that probably means your brake system is low on fluid because of a leak or a problem with the brake master cylinder.
- Your Wear Sensor warning lights turns on Many modern cars have in-built wear sensors that scrape against a brake disc when the linings needed replacing. When the brake pads become too thin (less than 1.5mm) the light will turn on and be displayed on your dashboard. *Although usually at this point, you will hear a screeching sound, as mentioned above.