Monday, March 9, 2015

Brake Repair Basics

CarLife Brake Repair Basics Blog | Auto Repair Services in Scottsdale, Gilbert, Glendale, AZ.

BRAKE REPAIR BASICS

Some common brake related issue that you should be aware of.

Are you wondering if you might be having trouble with your brakes?



Brake Repairs should never be taken lightly. You and your family's safety depend on properly functioning brakes. CarLife Auto Repair wants to help you to keep vigilant and be aware of your vehicle's needs - especially brake related issues - at all times.

Read the following tips & advice on automotive Brake Systems Basics. It will help to educate you on common car brake issues that you should be able to identify.

There are some simple areas to become educated in and to keep an eye on when it involves your car brakes:
  1. Brake Noises
  2. Brake Fluid Issues
  3. Brake Pulling & Pulsating

BRAKE NOISES

There are two common noises that you may hear when your car brakes are in need of attention, and they are a high-pitch-squeal and/or grinding noises. Many cars have brake wear sensors on them which are designed to make noises when the brake pads are low. It is a safety measure provided to give you advanced warning of a potential brake problem or brake replacement needed.

High-Pitch-Squeal

In a properly functioning brake system, when your brake pads are low, you will hear a high pitch squeal when you are driving - and when your foot is NOT on the brake pedal. This is your brake wear indicator. It tells you that your brake pads are low and in need of attention. If you continue to drive with this noise and ignore it, the next noise you hear may be grinding as you apply pressure to your brakes.

Grinding Noises

Grinding noises occur when your brake pad lining is worn down completely to the metal part of the pad causing metal to metal grinding of your brake rotor. You will hear this noise as you apply pressure to your brake pedal. It is a more serious noise - which needs attention!


It's important not to take chances with brake noises! If your brake pads are so thin that they are screeching, they will soon fail - causing safety hazards. And if they need only lubrication and you neglect it, they will wear sooner and cost you more money in unnecessary repairs. So, get your brakes inspected at the first sign of noises by a skilled auto repair technician - only a proper brake inspection can determine the cause of the noise.


BRAKE FLUID ISSUES

Like most systems in your vehicle, there is a fluid responsible for much of the work in the car braking system. This fluid can get dirty and can sometimes get low.

Low Brake Fluid

When there is a loss of brake fluid, the brakes become “soft” and you lose ability to brake efficiently over time. Brake fluid is NOT something that gets consumed, so if the indicator light is on and/or it's reading significantly below the "add" mark, then you probably have a leak. If this is the case, get it checked immediately - as the brakes are at risk of failure.

Dirty Fluid

Brake fluid should be clear! Dark fluid indicates significant contamination in the fluid. Dirt might have gotten into the brake fluid during the course of your driving. Contaminate brake fluid (even the smallest amount of dirt) can cause the internal seals of the master brake cylinder to fail - so be sure to check your brake fluid and call your auto repair shop if it's NOT clear.

You can check the brake fluid yourself. If it is dirty or discolored, consider getting your brakes flushed or bled. If Brake Fluid is low, get in immediately for a full inspection of your braking system, as you are at risk of brake failure!


PULLING & PULSATING

There could be several reasons for your vehicle to pull to the right or to the left. You may need a alignment, your tires may be unevenly worn or your brakes could be the issue. The same goes with pulsations felt in your vehicle. So it is always a good idea to have a mechanic diagnosis and confirm the underlying problem. Common brake related pulling & pulsations symptoms to educate yourself in are as follows.

Pulsation

Pulsation is more common than pulling. It occurs in your brake system when the vehicle's rotors are warped. It can occur in your front brakes and in your back brakes.
  • Front brake pulsation is often felt in the steering wheel when you apply the brakes (mostly at highway speeds). You will feel the steering wheel shimmy or vibrate.
  • Back brake pulsation is more difficult to determine but is commonly felt in the seat of the vehicle (as opposed to the steering-wheel while driving).

Pulling

Pulling is less common. If you find that when you brake, your vehicle pulls to one side or the other, your brake system could be involved. However, it could be your suspension, steering or alignment. So a proper & thorough brake inspection by a skilled automotive technician is warranted.


Keep you and your family safe on the roads by keeping vigilant and educating yourself about your automotive braking system in your vehicle. At the first sign of any issues, get your brakes inspected by a professional repair shop. At CarLife Auto Repair, we have skilled brake repair specialists and are here to help you stay safe. Click the following link for your Free Brake Inspection and come in today! 1 Offer isValid at all 3 locations: Scottsdale, Glendale & Gilbert/Mesa.



WHY A FREE BRAKE INSPECTION?


At CarLife Auto Repair, we take your safety seriously and are happy to help keep you safe on the roads. We value and appreciate our customers & community. If you are concerned about your bakes, we will gladly give you a FREE BRAKE INSPECTION. Come in today for a comprehensive inspection of your entire braking system. All you have to do is print out our coupon and schedule your appointment in advance. Please notify us before coming in so we can accommodate you appropriately. See our website for Coupon & Details.


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