Brake Repair Keeps Your Car Operating at its Best
January 12th, 2010 by adminSince your brakes need to wear down in order to work properly, you should consider brake repair as another, necessary, component of your regular car maintenance program. Brake repair is as essential to optimal car performance as engine repair. There are a few signs to watch out for, signals that your brakes send you to let you know that it’s time for brake repair. It’s all part of the predetermined scheme of things designed to keep your car functioning properly. Of course, your brakes will scrape and grind as they wear down, but brake repair is more than just worn pads.
Has your brake light suddenly illuminated when your parking brake is disengaged? This occurrence usually indicates that your brake fluid level is low and needs replenishing. Do you see a light amber liquid under your car, or smell a distinctive odor? That signals a leak in the fluid line. You won’t ever forget the smell of brake fluid! Have you noticed vibrations? Does one or more of your wheels vibrate while driving? If so, you may have issues with your rotor surfaces. If your brakes squeal while you drive, and after you’ve released the brake pedal, your brake wear indicators could be scraping against your rotors. A grinding or growling noise means your brake pads are completely worn away.
Brake repair is warranted in all of these circumstances, so don’t delay in getting your car to a certified brake repair technician. There’s too much at stake to leave the job to amateurs. You may still hear your brakes squeal when stopping after having brake repair done on your car. This usually means that the technician didn’t take the brake repair process all the way to the end, and you would be wise to return your car to the shop.
With respect to brake fluid, you should have yours inspected regularly for moisture and metal flakes. You should also not have your brake fluid topped off, as too much fluid prevents your brake pads from signalling that they are wearing down. You should also be sure to have your metal on metal brake parts lubricated regularly to maintain a proper barrier.
Finally, have your brakes inspected annually, or semi annually if you regularly use your vehicle for hauling or towing jobs. Evenly worn tires help your brakes do their job properly by creating an even friction with the road surface. After all, the brakes may stop the wheels, but friction between tires and road stops the car.