Brakes & Brake Pads

Your brakes could save your life one day. Here’s how to keep them in the best possible shape.

When Should I Get My Brakes Checked?

• When the brake dashboard light is yellow, there might be issues with your ABS (anti-lock brake system).
• When the brake dashboard light is red, there might be a system imbalance.
• If you have to press your brake pedal hard to slow your car, there could be a problem with your brake fluid or pads.
• If you hear grinding or squeaking when you brake, it could indicate worn out pads or rotor damage.
• If your brake pedal feels spongy when you press it, there might be air bubbles in your brake fluid or rotor damage.
• If your car vibrates when you brake, your car might have rotor damage.
• If your car pulls to one side when you brake, your car might need its brakes adjusted, brake fluid checked, or pads replaced.

Make Your Appointment

Brake issues that warrant immediate attention by a qualified professional are: a soft or spongy feeling upon pressing down on the pedal, loud, squealing or grinding noises, and vehicles shifting to one side when brakes are applied. The experts at [Name] recommend regular maintenance that includes brake inspections as an alternative to waiting for something to go wrong before seeking professional assistance. Brake failures while operating a motor vehicle can put your safety and those of your passengers in serious jeopardy, and, in worse case scenarios, can result in loss of life. This is why it is best to err on the side of caution concerning brake issues by scheduling regular inspections and ensuring that worn pads and discs are replaced in a timely fashion and that the system isn’t leaking fluid or showing other signs of potentially dangerous disrepair or damage.

Following is a short overview designed to help average drivers better understand their vehicle’s brakes.

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Pads

Brake pads are made from friction-causing material situated against a steel backing. The action of the material against the brake discs is what causes your vehicle to come to a stop when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. Brake pads should be inspected on a regular basis so that they can be replaced when worn.

Discs

Brake discs also wear out, but at a much slower rate than brake pads. Service technicians measure discs during inspections to gain an estimate on when replacements should be scheduled. Signs of worn discs include vibrations when applying pressure to the brake pedal as well as having to press on the pedal with more force than usual.

Fluid

Check your vehicle owner’s manual for guidelines on how often to change brake fluid in your particular make and model. Accumulations of microscopic particles and other debris may contaminate fluid and absorb water, which may cause deterioration in pistons and seals.

Following are several signs that you need to take your vehicle to [Name] for a brake inspection as soon as possible:

• Your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brake. This could be caused by worn pads or contaminated or inadequate fluid.
• Your yellow brake dashboard light is on. This could mean there’s a problem with your anti-lock brake system.
• Your vehicle vibrates when you step on the brake. This could be caused by rotor damage.
• The red brake light comes on your dashboard. This indicates a system imbalance.
• Your brakes squeal or grind. This could be caused by rotor damage or by worn out pads.
• Your brake pedal feels spongy when you step on it. This could mean damaged rotors or air bubbles in the fluid.
• Your brakes won’t work unless you step on the pedal hard. This could be due to worn pads or not enough brake fluid.

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Service Hours

• Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
• Saturday: 7:00am to 4:00pm
• Sunday: Closed

Parts Hours

• Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
• Saturday: 7:00am to 4:00pm
• Sunday: Closed

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