Brake Repair Should Be Part of Your Regular Car Maintenance Program
There’s no reason to fear brake repair. Those squeaking and squealing noises that brakes make when they need repair are actually indications that your brakes have been doing their job. Having worn brakes means that they have been stopping your car properly!
Brake wear indicators are the components that squeal when they wear down, signalling that it’s time for brake repair work. By no means should you think that something is wrong with your brakes; rather, think of brake repair as necessary to a smoothly running car. Your brakes will send you other signals besides the sound of wear indicator against turning rotor when brake repair is warranted. Does your brake light illuminate even when your parking brake is not engaged? Have your brake fluid level checked if this happens; it may need replenishing. Pooling light amber fluid and or a pungent odor also indicate issues with your brake fluid. Have your fluid line checked for leaks.
Have you noticed either your brake pedal or your wheel vibrating? Rotor surface issues could be developing. Do you hear squealing when you release the brake pedal? This could mean that your brake wear indicators are scraping against your rotors. Metal on metal contact, meaning your brake pedals have completely worn away, makes a grinding or growling sound. However, do your brakes squeal until your car comes to a full stop? This is the exception to the rule, if you have recently had your car in to the shop for brake repair, and means just that the technician may not have taken the brake repair process all the way to the end. Even though this should not be reason for concern, you should still return your car to the shop, to be on the safe side. Regardless of the signals your car is sending you, you should always get your car in for brake repair as soon as possible, before the situation worsens. You’ll thank yourself.
Don’t forget to also have your brake fluid inspected on a regular basis. It can become contaminated with moisture and metal flakes that interfere with proper function. Frequently, contaminated brake fluid is the only reason calipers and wheel cylinders need replacing. Speaking of inspections, experts recommend annual brake inspections, semi annual inspections if you regularly use your vehicle for heavy hauling or towing.
One final tip: don’t have your brake fluid topped off whenever your car is in the shop. Full fluid levels will not permit your wear indicators to do their iob properly. And don’t forget to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Evenly worn tire surfaces create the proper amount of road surface friction needed to stop your car!