Fresno Brake Repair Tips: Signs of Brake Wear and How to Identify Potential Issues
Brake Issues Can Be Worrisome, But We’ve Got You Covered
Your brake system is a critical component of your vehicle and is necessary for slowing and stopping your car when you press down on the brake pedal. Issues with your brake system can cause more than just an inconvenience — it can be a critical safety issue should your brakes fail to perform as expected.
At Goodguys Tires & Auto, we understand the importance of a properly working brake system, and we offer all the resources you need to keep your brake system performing its best. Dive in with us as we explore signs of brake wear and how to identify potential issues in your brake system. Whether your vehicle is in need of brake repair in Fresno, CA, or you're looking for dependable maintenance services, such as brake pad replacement, schedule an appointment at Goodguys Tires & Auto and enjoy certified service.
How To Spot Potential Brake Issues
When you step on the brake pedal, you expect your vehicle to come to a smooth stop. However, that's not always the case. There are times when your vehicle might feel different, sound different, or even behave differently. When this happens, it's important to be able to detect when there’s an issue so that you can bring your vehicle in for brake repair in Fresno at your earliest convenience.
Here are a few indications that your vehicle needs brake service:
Squeaking
While temporary squeaking can be a result of brake dust, consistent squeaking when you apply the brakes can be a sign that your brake pads are beginning to wear low. Brake pads are built with a special wear bar inside each pad. When this bar comes into contact with your brake rotors, it emits a noticeable squeaking noise. If you hear squeaking each time you use the brakes, it could be a sign that your brake pads have worn down, and it's time to bring your vehicle into a Fresno brake shop for service.
Grinding
When you depress the brakes and hear grinding, it's never a normal sign and almost always a clear indication that it's time for brake repair. Grinding noises are often a sign that your brake pads have worn beyond their service life, and metal is making contact with metal in ways it was not designed to. Continuing to drive while hearing grinding noises when you attempt to brake not only further jeopardizes your vehicle's stopping power but also increases your chances of needing costly brake repair services.
Vibrations
When you press down on the brake pedal, your vehicle should come to a smooth stop. However, if you notice that your vehicle is vibrating or drifting to one side when you step on the brakes, it might indicate that your brake rotors have warped.
Your brake pads clamp onto a rotating disc, known as your rotors, to slow your vehicle down. During this high-friction exchange, immense heat is generated between your brake pads and rotors. However, because your brake rotors are made of metal, they can warp when they get too hot and lose their smooth, round shape. Once your brake rotors have warped, your brake pads no longer have a smooth surface to grab onto, causing noticeable vibrations when you hit the brakes.
Soft, Spongy Brakes
Sometimes, your brake system might seem to operate normally, but your brake pedal doesn’t feel quite right. Some drivers report a soft or spongy response from their brake pedal when they attempt to stop. Others find that their brake pedal travels all the way to the floor and their vehicle doesn’t stop or slow as expected.
When this occurs, there might be an issue with your brake fluid or master cylinder. When it comes to your brake system, simple ailments, such as moisture or air in your system, can noticeably impact the performance of your brakes. If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy or isn’t quite giving you the feedback that you're used to, we recommend scheduling an appointment at our Fresno auto shop for brake service at your earliest convenience. Our experts can inspect your brake system and ensure that your brakes are performing as they should.
How To Minimize Issues With Your Brake System
One of the best ways to minimize the need for brake repair is by staying on top of your brake maintenance needs. While brake service will look different for each driver depending on their driving habits, here’s an example of what routine brake service may look like:
- Brake pad replacement — every 15,000-60,000 miles
- Brake rotor replacement — every 30,000-80,000 miles
- Brake fluid flush — every three years
Performing these simple services in a timely manner can go a long way to providing your vehicle with many years of dependable stopping power. Also, performing brake repair services when brake issues are first detected can minimize repair costs.
For Quality Brake Repair in Fresno, Trust the Experts
At our brake shop in Fresno, we have a team of experts ready to keep your car in its absolute best mechanical condition. Our mechanics are ASE-certified and use high-quality replacement parts, so whether your vehicle is here for routine maintenance or quality repairs, you'll always be in the hands of an expert.
Striving to keep maintenance and repair costs low, we even offer brake service coupons that help you save while taking the absolute best care of your vehicle. For quality maintenance and brake repair in Fresno, trust Goodguys Tires & Auto.
