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Common Brake System Problems That Spell Trouble

Brake problems spell danger and even worse. We here at Kurth’s Auto Repair never want you to experience the fear of being unable to stop your car, crossover, SUV, or truck. Preventative brake maintenance ensures your brakes are always working the way they should be. If you haven’t had a brake inspection in 12,000 miles, or if you notice any of the signs below, bring your vehicle in right away.

Brake Fluid Leak

Bad guys cut the brake lines in crime fiction because your automobile cannot stop without brake fluid. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps your brakes work. If your brake fluid is leaking, you will most likely notice light brown to dark brown spots near your tires.

Brake Light Is On

You know that your brake light turns on when you set the parking brake, but did you know that if it turns on and stays on any other time you may have a problem with your brake system? Your vehicle has two warning lights that apply to the brake system, the ABS and brake light.

Burning Odors

Your brakes should never smell hot, nor should they smell like burning carpet. If you smell burning carpet or hot chemicals when you apply the brakes, your brakes are too hot and they are on the verge of failing. It’s important to pull over to safety right away.

Grinding Brakes

If your brakes grind or scrape when you apply them, your brake pads do not have any more friction-causing surface on them. Your dashboard may also have a brake pad wear indicator light that will illuminate when the pads are getting too low.

Squealing Brakes

Squealing brakes are also a sign that your brake pads are too low or that your brakes are overheating. When your brakes get too hot, the brake pads “glaze,” which means they have smoothed out. Your brakes might squeal a little when they’re wet, but they should be silent the rest of the time.

Squishy Pedal

Your brake pedal gives you resistance as you press it down to the floor. Any changes in that resistance, such as feeling squishy or sinking mean you have a brake system problem. Usually, this is a sign of air in the brake lines. It could also signify master cylinder failure.

Wobbly Pedal

Finally, if your brake pedal wobbles or vibrates when you step down on it, you likely have uneven rotors that need to be resurfaced. If the rotors are warped to the point that they cannot be resurfaced, you will need to replace them. Your steering wheel may also vibrate.

Kurth’s Auto Repair works to give our customers the best auto repair shop in New Hope, MN. We can inspect, service, and repair or replace your brake system when it needs it. Call us today.

Photo by Egor Novikov from Getty Images via Canva Pro
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