Brakes and brake repair, brake pads, rotors, calipers, disc brakes and drum brake repair shop in Florida.
Do you need new Brakes?
They may not be something you think about very often, but your vehicle’s brakes are one feature that should always be in top working condition. Let’s look at how to know when you need new brakes.
Below you will find information you need to know about your vehicles braking systems.
Look, listen There are two ways to check for brake wear on disc brakes: by looking and by listening. First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel’s spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.
Have you ever heard a high-pitched screeching sound when you applied your brakes?
That’s a small metal shim, called an indicator, or brake sensor which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads. You should be aware of this sound (which is loud enough to be heard while the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to be heard over the radio or air conditioner). If you hear it regularly, quickly make an appointment with your mechanic at Value tires and alignment here in Florida.
That’s a small metal shim, called an indicator, or brake sensor which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads. You should be aware of this sound (which is loud enough to be heard while the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to be heard over the radio or air conditioner). If you hear it regularly, quickly make an appointment with your mechanic at Value tires and alignment here in Florida.
Here are some other signs of brake problems.
- REDUCED RESPONSIVENESS OR FADING
If your brakes are not as responsive as they should be or if the pedal «sinks» toward the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system. It could be a vacuum leak (in the brake booster) or a brake fluid leak. One telltale sign of a brake fluid leak is the presence of a small puddle of fluid when the car is parked. Brake fluid looks similar to fresh motor oil, but with a less «slimy» texture.
- PULLING
If your vehicle «pulls» to one side while braking, it may be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is foreign matter in the brake fluid. Your vehicle may need a brake adjustment or to have the fluid drained and replaced. Or a frozen brake caliper.
- GRINDING OR GROWLING
This loud metallic sound means that you have warn all your brake pads down completely to the metal, and most likely the pads need replacement. The grinding or growling noise is caused by the two pieces of metal (the disc and the caliper) rubbing together. This can «score,» or scratch your rotors, creating an uneven surface. If this happens, do not be surprised if your mechanic tells you that the rotors need to be «turned» (a process that evens out the rotor surface), or even replaced.
- VIBRATION
A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped rotors (but can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment). The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes. It is a sign of warped rotors if the vibration occurs during braking situations when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged. Warped rotors are caused by severe braking for long periods, such as when driving down a steep mountain or when towing. Tremendous amounts of friction are created under these conditions, heating up the rotors and causing them to warp. The vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly. If you drive in these conditions, make sure to stop periodically to allow your brakes to cool off.
If you experience any of these, you should visit us at Value tire and alignment, your local repair shop as soon as possible.