If you pay attention to automotive technology, you’ve seen advancements over the decades to improve vehicle braking systems. Why is this so important? Because you need to be able to stop your vehicle on dimes to avoid dangerous situations. Demore’s Automotive cannot stress enough the importance of preventative maintenance and service to your car, truck, or SUV’s brake system, because this crucial automotive technology protects you and your family when you’re behind the wheel.
Imagine You Cannot Stop
We don’t really want you to imagine this because we never want you in danger but to make a point, imagine you cannot stop your car. What would you do? Imagine you couldn’t stop it while driving at a fast speed or when someone suddenly slams on his or her brakes in front of you. Your brakes prevent accidents and their related injuries and fatalities every time you use them to avoid hitting another car, motorcycle, bicyclist, or pedestrian, and they will tell you if they’re struggling to do their job.
Signs Your Brakes Are Dying
There are four specific signs to watch out for that signal your car, truck, or SUV is having brake trouble. They are
- Strange sounds such as grinding or squealing
- Vibrating brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake
- Nonresponsive brake pedal or taking longer than normal to stop
- Burning smells when you brake
Fleshing these signs out further, squealing or grinding sounds usually indicate problems with your brake pads, rotors, or calipers. Vibration also indicates problems with the rotors or calipers. Changes in how your brake pedal responds and/or how long it takes to stop could indicate trouble with your brake fluid or master cylinder. Finally, if your brakes smell as if they’re burning, they are. Brakes can overheat.
One Other Sign
There is one other sign it’s time for a brake inspection and that is your vehicle’s dashboard warning light. When you set your parking brake, you’ll see a “Brake” light illuminated on your dashboard until you release it. You may also notice an “ABS” light turn on when you first start your car. This is the Anti-Lock Brake System light. If either of these light while you’re driving, braking, or stay lit, you have trouble.
We are Demore’s Automotive and we are located in Palmer, MA. If you suspect your brake system needs a little TLC, call us to set up an appointment. We’ll give your brake system a thorough once-over and recommend any necessary maintenance or repairs.
