You don’t need us here at Service Masters to tell you how important it is to maintain your vehicle’s brake system. This is the most important safety system on your automobile. Generally, the brakes should be inspected every 12,000 miles to make sure the fluid is okay and there aren’t any parts that need to be replaced such as the brake pads. We are going to list seven signs that your brakes need servicing right away below. If you ignore these signs, you may lose your brakes.
1. ABS or Brake Warning
The ABS and Brake light turn on briefly when you first start your automobile. This is because the sensors are reporting to the main computer chip that everything is okay. If these lights turn on at any other time, except when your parking brake is set, there is a problem with the ABS or brake system.
2. Hot or Burning Odors
Hot or burning chemical odors indicate that your brakes are overheating. Other smells you might detect are burning rubber or carpet. Overheating brakes can fail quickly, so it’s important you stop driving your automobile if the brake system smells hot.
3. Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will leak out of the brake hoses and you will see spots on your garage floor behind the tires. Brake fluid can also leak out of the master cylinder. As with overheating brakes, your brakes can fail if there isn’t enough fluid in the system.
4. Noisy Brake System
Noisy brakes are definitely an indication of a need for maintenance or repair. Squealing sounds are caused by low brake pads or overheating brakes. Grinding sounds are caused by brake pad backings scraping up against the rotors.
5. Pulling to the Side
If your car, truck, or utility vehicle pulls to the side when you apply the brakes, you likely have a stuck caliper on one of the wheels. The brake calipers can last as long as 10 years or anywhere from 75,000 to 100,000 miles.
6. Spongy Brake Pedal
Your brake pedal should give your foot the same resistance every time you press down on it. If it feels soft or sinks all the way to the floor, there is a problem with the brake system. This can be a sign that you have air in the brake hoses or that the master cylinder is failing.
7. Wobbling or Shaking
Finally, wobbling or shaking when you apply the brakes is an indication that the rotor surfaces are worn out and need to be recut. When the rotor surfaces wear down, they become warped. This is also a sign that you have a rock stuck in a caliper.
Call Service Masters in Clearwater, FL, right away if you are experiencing any of the signs of brake problems listed above.