Brakes are something most drivers take for granted until they stop working. Whether they fail when coming to a slow stop or while you are trying to brake quickly, the end result will not be a good one. At Buellton Garage, we want every driver to be aware of the signs that their brakes are failing as well as the importance of proper brake maintenance so these situations can be avoided as much as possible.
Brake Maintenance Guidelines
Your braking system consists of more than just the pedal and the pads. It is made up of multiple components that all work together to bring you to a safe stop and all of these parts need to be properly maintained to ensure that they function as designed.
But does brake maintenance actually mean?
It’s not as complicated as you might think. For starters, your pads should be inspected any time you bring your vehicle in for service. The lifespan of brake pads varies greatly depending on things like the materials used in your pads and your braking habits. When your mechanic inspects the pads they will be able to approximate how many more miles of wear you have left on them.
But the pads aren’t the only things that should be inspected. We also recommend that you have your brake fluid inspected, topped off, and bled when needed to keep the pressure just right. Your rotors also need to be included in your brake maintenance schedule.
Signs You Need Brake Repair
As with anything else, catching brake trouble early will make it easier for the problem to be resolved before things go too far. Knowing the signs all comes down to your senses.
Smell
When brakes are in trouble, they often present you with a burning smell while you are driving. Of course, anytime you smell something new or off in your vehicle, you should have it inspected immediately. It is important to note that if there is a burning smell immediately after getting new brake pads, it is simply the resin breaking down and is totally normal.
Sight
If there is a leak in your brake lines you will notice a light yellow or brown fluid leaking from the bottom of your car. This is not a good sign and we recommend that you make your trip to the mechanic as soon as you can.
Feel
There are a couple of things that may feel off when you have brake trouble. For starters, if there is an issue with your brake fluid, your brake pedal will be soft or spongey. You may also feel an increase in vibration or shaking when you are coming to a stop if your brakes are in trouble.
Sound
I think that we can all agree that grinding, squealing, or squeaking brakes are incredibly annoying. But more than that, they are a sign that something isn’t right. If your brakes are making noises, give your ears a break and have them checked immediately.
For all of your brake maintenance and repair needs, Buellton Garage in Buellton CA is a team of professional mechanics in your corner. Come see us today.
