Your brake system should be inspected at least twice a year to ensure safe operation. If you experience any of the following, you should have your brakes inspected immediately. Failure to do so could cause damage to normally non-wearing brake components. Brake Masters offers free brake inspections for most vehicles.
Squeal/Grinding
Brakes should operate with a minimal amount of noise. Some noise is expected under normal braking conditions. Consistent or excessive squeal, screech, grinding chatter or banging means your brakes need attention.
Pull
If your car “pulls” or veers toward one side when the brakes are applied, it can be caused by air in the lines, grit in the pads, maladjusted brakes, or brake parts that are in need of repair.
Warning Light
A red brake light may indicate that the emergency brake is applied or a hydraulic problem has been sensed by the car’s brake sensor. This may be a serious problem, we recommend the car be checked right away and not driven until repaired. A yellow ABS light indicates that there is a problem with the ABS or antilock braking system of your car and the ABS is in-operative. The ABS is a safety system that ensures that your car will not skid in a panic stop which may lead to a loss of control. Almost all cars and light trucks today have an ABS.
Grabbing
Touchy brakes that grab with light pressure may indicate a problem as simple as grease or oil contaminated linings, or as serious as a loose or broken component that could fail during an emergency stop.
Dragging
Sticking brakes, excessively hot wheels or an engine which seems to have lost power characterizes “drag”. The cause of brake drag is typically a hydraulic component problem. The condition can reverse itself, leaving you with no brakes. Seek attention immediately.
Hard Pedal
Does it take a heavy foot on the brake pedal to make the stop the car? This can be an indication of trouble with the power brake booster, restricted hydraulic lines, or damaged brake linings.
Low Pedal
A brake pedal that nearly touches the floorboard before the brakes start functioning may be a serious condition or could be corrected with a simple adjustment.
Vibration
Excessive vehicle vibration when driving could be caused by one or more different problems. The brake system is the likely culprit if the shaking happens only when you are applying the brakes. Other factors such as alignment and wheel balancing can also affect the ride of the car. At Brake Masters we have the ability to address any of these needs.
