Brake are a normal wear item for all vehicles, so eventually they are going to need your attention. Catching small items early can eliminate more costly repairs further down the road. We rely on our automobile brakes for our safety, but most people know very little about it and how to recognize when they might need attention. What brake troubles can you watch out for?
Check Your Brake Fluid Level
Perhaps the most ignored fluid and the one fluid that is most often forgotten is your brake fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder
That’s a very important fluid too since low brake fluid may make you lose braking entirely. You should check your brake fluid once every month. To check your brake fluid, open the hood and find the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder will be located behind the steering wheel. You’ll see a transparent tank with the dark colored brake fluid inside and a gauge on the side to determine the correct fluid level. Brake fluid wears out with mileage and depletes very gradually, and so whenever you discover an abrupt drop, you should get your brake system checked immediately.
Is Your Brake Fluid Worn Out?
Like oil, brake fluid brakes down with use and needs to be replaced. Not doing so can cause
Brake Damage
damage to your master cylinder, corrode your calipers and begin to weaken brake lines. If you’ve had your vehicle for a few years, there’s a very good chance your brake fluid is not protecting your brake system from corrosion and speeding up wear! What’s worse is that brake systems that are exposed to broken down brake fluid can cause a lot of damage and very expensive repairs.
So how do we recognize when it’s time to change brake fluid? If we go only by mileage, we have to assume that everyone drives exactly the same. Instead, at the Executive Auto Group of auto repair centers we test the fluid itself and we’ll be happy to do that for you, FREE of charge if you just mention this post on the Executive Auto Group Blog. Our Certified Automotive Service Technicians will also perform a complimentary brake inspection since we’ll have your car on our lifts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Systems:
Why Do Brakes Squeal?
If you hear a high-pitched noise while you are driving and without applying your brakes, it is often a sign that your brake pads are worn down and need replacing.
What Does a Grinding Sound Mean?
A metal-on-metal grinding sound usually means that your brake pads are completely worn out. This will result in damage to your drums or rotors and markedly reduce braking effectiveness.
Can Bakes Make My Vehicle Pull to One Side?
If your brake linings are worn or uneven, it can cause your car to pull either right or left when you brake.
Why Do I Have to Pump My Brakes?
If you have to pump your brakes to bring your car to a stop, there could be a leak in the brake system, air in the brake lines or you may need a brake adjustment.
Your Brake Warning Light is On?
When your brake system warning light comes on, you likely have a hydraulic system malfunction and when your ABS light is on, the anti-lock system is not functioning properly.
If you notice any of these warning signs or if you have any other concern about your brakes, contact Liberty Mazda or Liberty Honda in the Hartford area, Executive Honda, Executive KIA, Executive Dodge JEEP RAM or The Executive Auto Center Used Car Center in Walling ford and Acura by Executive, Executive JEEP or Executive Nissan in North Haven.
The Executive Auto Group has an auto repair center in CT near you. Of course, we service all makes and models with 7 dealerships in CT in the New Haven area, North Haven, Wallingford, and Hartford, CT. To learn more about our brake services, see Acura Brake Service CT, Honda Brake Service Hartford, Honda Brake Service Wallingford, Dodge Jeep Brake Service Wallingford, Jeep Brake Service North Haven, KIA Brake Service Wallingford, Nissan Brake Service North Haven, Mazda Brake Service Hartford.
