You don’t need us here at Moose Jaw Truck Shop to tell you how much you rely on your brakes. Whether you drive a car, truck, or utility vehicle, or big rig, you need your automobile to slow down and stop every time you press down on the brake pedal. Regular brake inspections are crucial to ensure the system is working as it should. If you notice any of the following problems listed below, your vehicle’s brake system needs attention right away.
Hot Odors and Squealing
Hot odors and squealing are dangerous signs that the brakes are overheating. Once the brakes reach a certain temperature, you won’t be able to stop your automobile. It is important to find a safe place to pull over so you can stop driving your vehicle if the brakes are overheating. It’s best to call for a tow truck rather than continue to drive your automobile.
Illuminated ABS or Brake Light
The ABS and Brake light will come on when you first start your vehicle. It only takes a matter of seconds before they turn off. If they stay on or turn on at any other time aside from when you have the parking brake set, your brake system has something wrong with it and these lights are serving as warning lights.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid can leak from the master cylinder or the brake lines. Brake fluid is usually light brown. It can turn dark brown as it ages. You will find the fluid leaking behind your wheels. It’s important to have a brake fluid leak fixed as soon as possible because driving with low brake fluid may make it difficult to stop your automobile.
Soft/Spongy Brake Pedal
Your brake pedal resistance should never change. If the pedal feels spongy or soft, you have air in the brake lines or your master cylinder is malfunctioning. Your brake pedal should stop at about 1 1/2 inches from the floorboard. If it sinks all the way to the floor, you’ve got a serious problem.
Strange Noises
Grinding or squealing noises can indicate that your brake pad surface is too low. Squealing when the brakes are hot is also common as discussed above. The slowing down and stopping of your automobile should be silent. Noises coming from the brakes indicate they need to be inspected.
Strange Vibrations
Finally, it should be smooth when you slow down and stop your automobile. Your vehicle shouldn’t pull to the right or left nor should it vibrate or wobble. If this is the case, you may have a problem with one of the brake calipers or the rotors.
Call Moose Jaw Truck Shop in Moose Jaw, SK, today to schedule a brake inspection. This is especially important if you are experiencing any of the brake problems listed above.
