It’s important to never take advantage of your vehicle’s brake system. Auto Service Kingston advises that you have your brakes inspected when your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends it. Every 19,000 kilometres is a good rule of thumb because this gives auto technicians a chance to replace any brake parts that are starting to show the signs of aging. If your brakes are doing any of the following things, they need to be inspected and most likely repaired.
ABS/Brake Light
Your dashboard has two lights that apply to the brake system. The first one is the ABS light for the antilock brake system. If this light comes on, there’s a problem with the ABS. The Brake light should only come on when you have the parking brake set. If it comes on at any other time, there’s a problem with the brake system.
Burning Odours
If your brakes smell hot, they are. It’s important that you stop driving your automobile when your brakes are overheating. When they get too hot, they will fail, and you will be left with an inability to slow down and stop. Brakes that are too hot smell like burning chemicals, carpet, and sometimes rubber.
Grinding/Squealing Noises
Grinding or squealing noises usually point to the brake pads or brake pad insulation. Grinding or scraping sounds mean that you don’t have any brake pad surface left. Squealing noises can indicate that the brake pads are getting too low or the brake pad insulation needs to be replaced.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Your brakes need brake fluid to stop. Leaking brake fluid can put you in a dangerous situation if you don’t have the leak repaired. Brake fluid leaks usually occur behind your wheels. The fluid itself is either amber, dark brown, light brown, yellow, or red.
Spongy Brake Pedal
One sign that you have a problem with the brake fluid in the brake lines is a spongy brake pedal. Your brake pedal should always give you resistance when you press down on it. If it feels soft or sinks to the floorboard, you probably have air in your brake lines. This can also be a sign of problems with the master cylinder.
Wobbling/Vibration
Finally, the brake rotor surfaces should be resurfaced every 96,000 kilometres. If the surfaces are warped, your automobile may wobble or vibrate when you press down on the brake pedal. Specifically, you will feel the motion in the brake pedal or the steering wheel.
Auto Service Kingston in Kingston, ON, would be happy to help you if you suspect that your automobile’s brakes need to be serviced or repaired. Give us a call today.