An Overview Of When You Need Brake Repairs And How It Might Be Done
Posted on: 13 July 2022
Whether you're caring for your own car or a car driven by your teen, keeping the brakes in good order is extremely important. Fortunately, that's fairly easy to do when you follow the maintenance guidelines set by the car manufacturer. Regular brake checks can help detect worn pads early on so they can be replaced. Plus, your car gives you signs the brake pads are wearing down and it's time to take your car to the shop. Here are signs of bad brakes and how brake repairs are done.
Signs That Could Mean Your Car Has Bad Brakes
When your brakes start to malfunction, the brake light on your car's dash might come on. If you see this light, call your mechanic and make an appointment for a brake inspection right away. Other signs of bad brakes might include a burning odor, weird sounds that squeak or sound like metal grinding on metal, feeling vibrations when you hit the brake, and having to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor to get your brakes to engage.
Common Problems With Brakes
One of the most common issues with brakes is worn pads. However, brake fluid might also be leaking or the rotors could be warped. There could also be a caliper problem or air in the system. A mechanic can check all parts of the braking system, including hoses, fluid, bearings, springs, and pads to find the source of the problem if it's something other than simple worn-down pads.
Brake Repair Requires A Lift Or Jack
Since brakes are near the wheels, your mechanic will probably put your car on a lift so the brakes are easy to see and reach. They can also just use a jack to elevate your car enough to remove the tire and change the pads. While your car is lifted, the mechanic can give your brakes a complete inspection. This lets them know what parts need to be changed.
While it's common to only replace the brake pads and rotors, if you drive long enough with bad pads, other parts of the system could be damaged. When that happens, your car will need more extensive and expensive repairs. That's why you want to get your car to the shop soon after noticing a brake problem.
Once your new pads and rotors have been installed, the mechanic may bleed the brake fluid. There's a risk of air getting in the lines when brake repair is done, so bleeding the fluid and filling it once the new parts are on is a safety procedure that's often done.
For more information, reach out to a local brake repair service, such as Greg's Japanese Auto Parts and Service.
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