Brake Repairs: 6 Signs It’s Time to Visit a Fresno Brake Shop
Few auto parts do more to keep Fresno, California drivers safe than brakes. Without a functional brake system, you couldn’t reliably stop or slow down while on the road — a situation that could spell disaster for you, other passengers in your vehicle, and other motorists.
Of course, brakes need routine maintenance to keep operating as they should. If you’re wondering whether your brake system needs this form of attention, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some common signs of brake trouble. When you spot one of these red flags, you’ll know exactly when to schedule a repair at a brake shop in Fresno.
Know When You Need Brake Service in Fresno
If you ignore severe problems in your vehicle, these issues will only worsen over time. With that in mind, be sure to act as soon as you notice issues like:
1. A Spongy Brake Pedal
Typically, your brake pedal will provide quite a bit of resistance when you push down on it to slow or stop your vehicle. But sometimes, you may notice a soft or spongy feeling when you depress the pedal. If that’s the case, there’s a strong possibility that your brake system’s hydraulic pressure is facing issues.
2. Brake Fade
When your brakes can’t deliver as much stopping power as they should, they’re experiencing “brake fade.” Typically, brake fade is caused by repeated or sustained use of brakes, especially while carrying heavy loads or driving at high speeds. If you’re wondering whether your brakes are fading, consider how long it takes your car to stop once you push down on the brake pedal.
3. Brake Fluid Leaks
Brake fluid leaks may be the most obvious sign of trouble in your brake system. If you notice puddles of yellow or light brown fluid under your vehicle, you’re likely dealing with this situation. When you see one of these puddles, schedule an appointment for brake repairs immediately.
4. Pulling Toward One Side
Believe it or not, brake pads don’t always wear at the same rate, which can cause unexpected problems for your vehicle. If a brake pad on one side of your car wears down faster than your other pads, you might pull toward one side of the road while braking. Brakes aren’t the only potential cause of this issue, so you should definitely ask skilled auto mechanics to take a look at your car if you notice pulling to one side.
5. Strange Noises
If you hear a deafening squeal or screech whenever you use your brakes, it’s hard to deny that something is wrong. Usually, noises like these stem from the wear indicators used in many brake pads today. After your brake pads wear down to a certain point, their indicators make loud noises to let you know that these components are ready for replacement.
These are just some of the unusual sounds that can come from a faulty brake system. If you hear a rattle or a clicking noise, your brake calipers may be having trouble holding your brake pads in place due to a loose component.
6. Vibrations in the Brake Pedal
Is your brake pedal vibrating? If so, the resin holding your brake pads together might have started to break down. This is just as serious as any other brake-related issue, which warrants a visit to a local Fresno auto shop.
Other Explanations Worth Considering
If your vehicle is dealing with any of the symptoms listed above, it’s easy to assume that your brakes are to blame. However, that might not be the case — brake problems are just one of many factors that can lead to these issues.
Take unusual noises from your brakes, for example. Even though these sounds are often caused by brake pad wear, that isn’t true 100% of the time. If your car was out in the rain recently, moisture could be covering its brakes, resulting in temporary grinding or squeaking noises. Dirt, rust, and grime can also contribute to brake noise.
The good news is that you aren’t solely responsible for diagnosing the cause of your vehicle’s problems. When you visit a reputable shop for brake repairs and maintenance in Fresno, the people working there will be able to identify the source of your issues and resolve them for you.
What Is Fresno-Visalia’s Best Brake Shop?
In Fresno, there are countless brake shops for locals to choose from. But when you need brake repairs, you can’t afford to settle for less than the best — otherwise, you might not get the level of workmanship you deserve.
If you’re trying to find the best possible Fresno auto shop for brake repair, look for businesses that offer:
- ASE-certified mechanics
- Money-saving opportunities (including online auto repair coupons)
- A wide range of services
- Convenient locations around the area
Goodguys Tire & Auto Repair provides all these perks and more. If you’re dealing with brake fade, a soft brake pedal, strange noises from your brakes, or any other problems with your brake system, set up an appointment today!
