Your car’s brake system must be in good working order for you to slow down, stop, and avoid hazards in a split second. Below are ways to tell if your Chevrolet or GMC needs a brake repair from your Chevy dealer.
The Brake System and ABS Warning Lights Are On
When your car’s brake system warning light comes on, the brakes are not working properly and must be inspected by a qualified technician. The antilock brake system (ABS) warning light lights up briefly when you start your car.
When the light stays on or comes on while driving, take your vehicle for service. The ABS warns you that you don’t have antilock brakes, but if the brake system warning light is off, the brake system is still working.
Your Car Is Leaking Brake Fluid
Leaking brake fluid is a serious issue that will affect your car’s braking performance. Low brake fluid levels will trigger the warning light. If your vehicle is frequently low on brake fluid, check under your vehicle for yellow and brown puddles that look a lot like oil but without an oily consistency. As soon as you spot puddles under your car, ask your technician to find the leak.
The Brakes Are Unresponsive and Fading
Low brake fluid levels, a brake fluid leak, worn brake pads, an air leak, or a leaking brake hose will make your brakes feel unresponsive like they are fading away, and the brake pedal may feel spongy when you step on it. The brakes will be slow to respond, and it will take much longer for your car to come to a stop.
You Hear High-Pitched Screeching and Horrible Grinding Noises
When you hear high-pitched screeching sounds when you step on the brake, the wear indicators built into the pads warn you that the pads are wearing thin and it’s time to replace them. The screeching is just a warning, but if you wait too long, the pads will wear down further, and you will hear horrible metallic grinding noises.
The bare metal is scraping against the rotor, causing damage and heat that could cause your brakes to stick. Sticking brakes are dangerous, and damage to the rotors will lead to costly repairs and replacements.
You Feel Vibrations Through the Brake Pedal
Rotors warp when they get old or thin, and excessive braking creates tremendous friction and heat that will also cause the rotors to warp. If you feel the vibration through your brake pedal under normal braking conditions, the rotors are warped and making uneven contact with brake pads.
Your Car Pulls to the Side
Brake pads wear the same, and one side might get thinner faster than the other. When the brake linings are worn down unevenly, your car will start to pull to the left side or right side when you step on the brakes. The problem can also be caused by contaminated brake fluid. Ask your technician for an adjustment and to replace the brake fluid.
You Smell Burning
When your brakes are overheating, they won’t work correctly, and you will smell a burning odor. The best cause of action is not to drive further. Pull over as soon as possible, and wait for the brakes to cool down. Contact your dealership immediately and schedule a brake system service.
The brake system on your vehicle is one of the essential safety features. Contact Sax Motor Co. today and schedule a brake system service for your safety. The qualified technicians will inspect your brake system and perform expert repairs.
Image by Gerald Oswald from Pixabay
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