How can you stay head of costly brake repairs? Having your vehicle’s brakes inspected regularly is an important step to avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
Most major repairs can be avoided
Most major malfunctions and repairs can be avoided with routine maintenance, coupled with driver awareness and by learning the signs of needed brake repairs such as: noises, smells and other vehicle malfunctions.
Through driver awareness of these symptoms, problems can be easily detected to prevent long-term damages. Use these following tips to detect early signs of needed brake repair and, when these signs appear, consult an auto repair specialist immediately.
Symptoms your brakes need attention
Sound
Unfamiliar noises such as: squealing, rubbing, and screeching are typical symptoms of brake pad or brake shoe malfunction. Inspecting noises produced from brake systems should be addressed as quickly as possible. This will avoid further damage of brake pads and shoes, brake rotors and drums, and / or other vehicle parts.
Vibration
Pulsations or vibrations occurring in the brake pedal or steering wheel can indicate brake system failures. Never ignore vehicle vibrations, as pulsations are commonly caused by brake rotors wearing down from excessive use of brakes in disrepair. As needed brake repairs prolong, rotors can become warped from metal to metal contact. This can cause irreversible damage resulting in costly brake repairs.
Function
When your brake functions begins to change, schedule a brake system inspection quickly. If you experience decreased ability to brake (i.e. a “soft” brake pedal or a brake pedal that travels to the floor before brakes engage) it is very likely a brake repair is needed. When brake use begins to become more difficult by increased pressure needed to brake, this could be a driver’s first indicator that brake pads are beginning to wear.
Smell
If you begin to smell a foul, rigid burning scent produced from the area around the vehicle’s tire, stop operations immediately. These scents are not normal and can cause incredibly unsafe situations for all of the vehicle’s occupants. Consult an auto repair specialist immediately to inspect brake system complications and find any parts that may be compromised. Never continue driving a vehicle with obscene smells coming from the area’s that surround the tire. Brake repair is severely needed at this point in time.
Warning Lights
Do not disregard brake repair warning lights or other built-in vehicle warnings. While this suggestion might seem elementary, brake warning lights should be taken seriously at first detection.
Always err on the side of safety
Never continue driving a vehicle with symptoms of brake failure. Failing brakes result in both costly damages and severely unsafe driving situations. By using these easy tips, drivers can easily maintain brake repair safety, while staying ahead of costly brake repairs. Save time and money while gaining piece of mind by staying current with brake system inspection and maintenance.
If you have experienced any of the above indications that your brake system might need to be inspected, give Postle Tire Barn a call at 256-391-0062 to schedule an appointment, or simply come by our store in Tuscaloosa, on Jug Factory Road behind McDonald’s.
Questions? Contact us
Postle Tire Barn is a locally owned tire and auto repair facility located in Tuscaloosa, AL. We have been serving the tire and automotive needs of West Alabama for more than 35 years. If you would like more information about our services, email us at [email protected].
Recent Comments