Signs You Have Brake Problems

Posted on October 6, 2021 in Brake Repair

What Are Your Brakes Telling You? -- Dave’s Ultimate Automotive

Nobody wants to hear their vehicle making strange noises or feel the odd sensations it's producing. It is, however, your auto's way of talking to you. When it comes to your brakes, your safety may depend upon your ability to understand what your car is saying. If you need help with the translation, bring your vehicle to Dave's Ultimate Automotive in Round Rock, TX. Our ASE-certified technicians have the knowledge and experience needed to work on any make or model, and we offer a generous warranty on our repairs. We're designated as a Top Shop and a Super Service Center, so come discover what other drivers already know--we go the extra mile to take care of you and your car.

Translation: What Your Car Is Saying

There are indeed some signs to watch (or listen and smell) for that may indicate a braking system problem in your vehicle. We'll provide a brief translation dictionary here, but we can provide a real-time, face-to-face translation when you bring your car in for brake inspection and repair. If your auto is squealing, screeching, or grinding, it's not trying to aggravate you. Rather, it may be telling you it has worn metal brake pads. Also, you may see the brake light illuminate on your dashboard, a clear indicator that your brakes need service, whether it's to disengage a parking brake that was accidentally left set or to fix a major problem. Feeling a spongy or "soft" brake pedal when you apply brakes alerts you to an issue.

Your vehicle's brakes work by employing hydraulic pressure, so a fluid leak could produce this sensation of a lack of pressure or force. Specifically, your brake pedal should never go all the way to the floor. The pedal in a car with manual brakes should stop at least three inches from the floor. In an automobile with power brakes, that critical mark is an inch to an inch and a half from the floor. If the rotors have become uneven and warped, you may feel wobbling, scraping, or vibrating when you apply the brakes. That's because those metal disks should be evenly thick and smooth to make a "normal" feeling or uneventful stop. Finally, if you smell something burning, your car could have a set emergency brake or a stuck brake caliper.

Making Your Reply

so that

If your auto's brakes are talking to you, it's important that you make a timely and appropriate reply. Left unaddressed, the problem will only worsen, and brake failure accounts for an estimated 2%-5% of car crashes. Don't risk disaster! Listen to your vehicle, and bring it to Dave's Ultimate Automotive for an expert translation of auto speak and brake repair.