Signs You Need Brake Repair

Signs Your Car Needs Brake Service

How the Brakes Work and What Can Go Wrong

The brakes of your car need to be in good condition if you want to be safe on the road. Routine or reactive brake service can help to maintain your safety and you can get this done at Casey Automotive in Elgin, Illinois. Knowing when to get brake service can be a bit tricky because you can’t quantify brakes with mileage because there is a vast difference in brake usage and wear between those who drive in highways and those who drive in city traffic. Generally they will be checked during routine service, but otherwise you’ll need to be able to spot when things aren’t working properly.

How your brakes work is the brake pedal pushes the brake fluid through to constrict the brake caliper which will create friction with the brake pads to the wheels. Any of these components which are required to stop your car can have something wrong with them. Here are some signs that you need brake repair:

Burning Smell

If you smell something burning it is most likely that there’s too much friction from unnecessary contact. Your park brake may still be on while driving which is going to burn out the brakes. You can check the dashboard if your brake lights are on while you are in driving gear. It may be an issue with the clutch or transmission not gearing properly.
The brake fluid may also be burning and when a liquid boils it becomes less formable and won’t create pressure for your brakes to stop the car. This is a more dangerous issue which requires immediate brake service.

Pedal Feels Different

If your brake pedal does not give you resistance when you push it down it could mean the brake fluid is not filling up enough and you may need to change it. The brake fluid reservoir can be checked inside the hood usually. If there is a brake fluid leak you can see the levels in the reservoir are too low. The master cylinder that presses the brake fluid may also not be connecting properly to the pedal. You will want to get service for this issue soon.

Car Responding Strangely

When you brake if your car turns in a specific direction it can mean that you are getting uneven braking from either wheel’s calipers. There may also be a screeching noise which means that your brake pads are worn out. These are not immediate threats but will need service soon.

If you need brake service in Elgin, Illinois come to Casey Automotive where we can provide this and more to keep you and your family safe on the road. Call us at 847-697-1825 to learn more.