3 Signs You Need a Brake Repair at Your Local Dealer

Good, well-maintained brakes allow you to control your speed and stop in an instant. This can be vital, as a potential accident situation could occur at any time. Brake components can wear out through use, and you’ll need a brake repair. Your Suzuki dealer in Pulaski, VA, can fix any braking issues for you. These are a few signs that your brakes need to be checked.

Screeching Noises

Your brake pads are an essential part of your braking system. They fit into the brake calipers and generate friction against the wheel rotors. This friction slows and stops the rotors. The pads have a thick friction material covering, but this covering wears down slightly each time you use your brakes. The material covering is 1/2″ thick when the pad is new, and when it reaches 1/4″ thickness it’s time to change the pads.

The pads manufacturers build a warning into each pad by installing a metal spike. Once the pad drops to 1/4″, this spike will scratch against the rotor and produce a loud screeching noise. When you hear a screeching noise, you know you need new pads ASAP.

Weak Brake Pedal

When you step on the brake pedal, you expect resistance. The harder your press on the pedal, the more resistance you’ll encounter. This resistance is due to the pressure in the braking system. High pressure is essential, as your brakes have to slow and stop a vehicle weighing an average of 4,000 lbs that’s moving at speed.

If you encounter little resistance from the pedal, this is a worrying sign. It means that the pressure in the brake system is low. The possible causes of low pressure are a blockage in the system or a brake fluid leak. Air can cause a blockage and reduce the pressure in the system. Low brake pressure means that the brakes will take much longer to engage.

Pulling to One Side

If your Suzuki pulls to one side when you hit the brakes, part of your braking system has failed. This problem occurs when the brakes on only one side of your car engage. Your car automatically moves towards the side with the working brake. This failure can be dangerous, as turning to one side could potentially result in an accident if it happens unexpectedly.

Pulling could mean a hydraulic failure, as the brake fluid isn’t exerting pressure on the caliper. This problem could also be a mechanical failure as the relevant caliper may have failed. Our technicians will examine your braking system and find and fix the problem.

Don’t risk driving with a braking problem. Come and see us at Duncan Suzuki.

Tags: Duncan Suzuki, How Do I Know When I Need a Brake Repair, Pulaski VA
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