BRAKE REPAIR NEAR ME: HOW TO IDENTIFY WARNING SIGNS AND ENSURE SAFE STOPPING
Brakes are an important part of any vehicle which is mostly undermined unless a problem occurs. How fast a car can travel depends on its ability to stop with as much speed and convenience. Hence keeping a proper check on brakes and ensuring a maintenance routine is essential to a smooth and safe drive. It’s always wise to keep an eye on brake repair options near you. Residents of Oklahoma City have the best choice at hand i.e. FastLap Auto Repair Service.
In this blog, we will look at the various warning signs that indicate issues with the vehicles’ brakes. After reading this, you will know when to seek help.
IDENTIFYING WARNING SIGNS
A typical driver can readily identify various abnormal signs that a car exhibits when there is an issue with the brake system. Additionally, specific dashboard lights serve as indicators of unresolved problems.
We will be discussing them both here.
- Screeching sounds: Generation of a high-pitched sound when the brakes are applied, mostly squeaking or screeching, indicating greater friction. This is a good indicator to get the brake pads evaluated.
- Wobbling or jerky motion: A wobbling or a jerky motion of the car or the steering on the application of brakes indicates a faulty braking system. That may either be due to some foreign object lodged in the brakes or may indicate a problem with the brake rotors.
- Burning smell: Burning smell is an indicator enough to stop your car and get it evaluated at the first instance. You also want to see if there is any smoke coming out of the vehicle. This is caused by overheating of the brake pads due to excessive usage for a prolonged time like when traveling downhill.
- Pulling: Sometimes when the brakes are applied the vehicle is pulled to a side. This can be due to several issues ranging from uneven or worn-out brake pads and collapsed brake hose to a faulty brake caliper or an issue with the car’s suspension. An expert automobile repair shop spots the issue in no time.
- Leaking fluid: Brake fluid leakage means inadequate fluid. The application of brakes involves hydraulic pressure application. Hence, the brake fluid is crucial and needs to be frequently examined.
- Stuffy or loose brake pedals: A brake that is either too hard to press or too soft that no friction is felt, indicates time for a maintenance visit to expertise.
- ABS warning light: Modern cars have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) built into them. This system allows constant contact between the track and the wheels by preventing the locking of tires during the application of brakes. This stops the car from slipping away and facilitates quick deceleration of the vehicle. This is an important function and when this is disabled a dashboard light illuminates. If the light doesn’t go away on releasing the parking brake, the driver must get to the nearest brake repair to avoid any damage.
APPROACH TOWARDS BRAKE MAINTENANCE
Brakes are used too frequently and their wear and tear is inevitable. It is wise to get a thorough inspection every year or before planning a long, bumpy trip even if no evident sign of a problem occurs.
There are however certain estimated numbers after which certain changes are recommended:
- It is advised to change the brake pads every 12000 miles. Similarly, brake fluid is also generally replaced after every 25000 miles.
- Brake pads and rotors are replaced after an average of about 35000 to 45000 miles. As a general rule rotors last longer than the pads.
These numbers are just a rough idea for the driver. The exact time of getting these parts changed depends largely on the type of vehicle, the amount of its usage, the terrain in which the car is mostly used, and the weather conditions of the area.
The manufacturer’s manual is always helpful along with the input from an expert brake repair workshop where experts’ experience guides the car owners well.
DIY BRAKE CHECKS
In addition to the above-mentioned warning signs, there is a DIY hack to check if the brake pads need to be changed or if the brake oil is leaking.
The brake pad lies between the back plates and the rotor. If a flashlight is used in between the holes in the wheels it can be visualized. If the thickness seems to be less than 4 mm or if there is a wear indicator sign at its center, it is time to change the brake pads.
Similarly, if there is brake fluid leakage it will appear as fluid on the tires or accumulation of liquid below the wheels. This may however indicate many things like leakage of coolant, engine oil, or transmission fluid.
The color can, however, be used for differentiation between different problems. The greenish fluid indicates coolant discharge, golden brown indicates engine oil, the pinkish tint is that of transmission fluid and dark brown is the color of brake fluid. Remember that the color is just an indication and not decisive of the issue.
It is; however, best to avoid taking your braking system to this state before performing a detailed diagnostic test.
BEST BRAKE REPAIR SHOP IN OKLAHOMA CITY
Oklahoma City is a big one and there are so many auto repair shop options that one is sure to get overwhelmed. However, nothing beats a combination of expertise and experience.
FastLap Auto Repair consists of certified technicians who don’t believe in unnecessary services; hence we only recommend what is needed. The fastest lap in any car race is an example of the best coordination, planning, and skill. Our name ‘FasLap Auto Repair’ commits to setting such standards in the automobile repair industry. With the latest technology, leading partners, and the most competent workers, FastLap Auto Repair is your best choice for brake repairs. Book your appointment now and avail our ongoing amazing deals.