Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most important safety elements, so they are one component that you want to ensure is always working correctly. At Tireland - Tire Fisher Branch we can inspect your brakes to give you peace of mind every time you drive.
Since your brakes are used often, especially if you do a lot of city driving, their components will wear. There are several signs to look out for when your brakes are in need of service.
Signs You Need a Brake Inspection or Service
· You hear a squealing, grinding, or scraping sound when you brake – if you hear any of these noises, it could mean that your brakes are starting to fail. Metal-on-metal noises can indicate that your brake pads are worn, and they should be inspected immediately. Some brakes are designed with a wear indicator that will make a screeching noise that notifies you that you need a brake inspection.
· Your brake pedal has fallen – if you notice that your brake pedal is falling to the floor, this is a telling sign that there is an issue with your brakes.
· It takes you longer to stop than usual – if you notice that you have to press on the brake harder than usual to stop, this could be a sign of a “soft pedal” and requires you to bring your vehicle to Tireland - Tire Fisher Branch for a brake inspection.
· Your brake pedal is vibrating when you push it – worn brake rotors or brake drums could cause your brake pedal to vibrate. If you notice a wobble through the steering wheel, this is a sign of warped brake rotors, and you should have your brakes checked immediately.
· Your car pulls to one side when you brake – if your vehicle is pulling to one particular side when you brake, this could mean that one of your brake pads is more worn than the other, and you should have your brakes inspected.
· Your brake warning light is lit on your dashboard – this could mean that your brake pads are worn, a brake line has burst, or you have low brake fluid. We recommend calling us and getting your vehicle towed to have your brakes inspected if this occurs.
If You Suspect that Your Brakes Are Failing, What Should You Do?
You should take your car to Tireland - Tire Fisher Branch as soon as possible if you feel any vibration at all when you press the brake pedal.
If you see that your brake fluid is low, fill the master cylinder with brake fluid that has been certified for use in your vehicle.
It is not safe to drive if you have to press the brake pedal all the way to the floor or if it takes an excessive amount of effort to stop. If you notice an issue with your brakes while you are on the road, come to a stop in a safe area, call a tow truck to take your car to Tireland - Tire Fisher Branch so the brakes can be inspected.
We can provide a comprehensive brake repair, replacing everything from pads and shoes to ABS sensors and callipers so that you may drive again with peace of mind.
In some cases, our automotive technicians may be able to save you money by doing a brake service, which entails cleaning and servicing rather than replacement, after inspecting your brakes.
What Is a Brake Inspection?
We recommend getting a brake inspection once every 6 months to ensure that your brakes are working properly.
During a brake inspection we will perform the following services:
· Take the vehicle for a test drive to determine if there are any noticeable abnormalities with the brakes.
· Inspect the brake fluid to determine if there are any leaks in the reservoir.
· Perform a visual inspection checking brake pad wear, callipers, rotors, hoses, and undercarriage.
· Jack up the vehicle to inspect the steel brake lines from the Master Cylinder to the rear of the vehicle to ensure there are no leaks or corrosion.
If we find any issue with your brakes, we can fix it to make sure that your vehicle is safe and road ready.
Importance of a Brake Service
Brake service is an important part of preventative maintenance since it guarantees that your brakes will operate in an emergency.
A brake service provides the following benefits:
· Checks for appropriate brake operation and keeps brakes from sticking, seizing, and wearing out prematurely.
· Cleans the brakes of any debris that could cause squeaking or rotor grooves.
· Improves brake pad durability by avoiding hot spots and uneven wear.
· Eliminates rust growth on the rotor's edges, which can cause noise problems.
Having properly maintained brakes will keep you and everyone else on the road safe. Tireland - Tire Fisher Branch is here to help you with all your brake needs.