When Do Your Car's Brakes Need Service?


November 7, 2019

The brakes on your car may need repair, but how do you know? The brakes will give you some indications that they need repair, but you have to pay attention to the signs. Sometimes they are subtle - but they are there. Additionally, learn when the best time is to check your brakes at a repair shop.


Vibrations


A common sign that something is not right with your car's brakes is a new vibration in the brake pedal or the steering wheel when you apply the brake pedal. The vibration is often a result of a brake rotor that is warped, gouged, or out of round. All of these conditions can be a result of heavy braking and heat buildup.


In some cases, resurfacing the rotor is enough to fix the issue, but if the rotor has a lot of wear, it may not be thick enough to resurface. Replacing the rotor may be the only real option to fix the problem in this situation. Most commonly, this situation occurs on the front of the car but can happen in the rear as well.


Strange Noises


Another common situation that many people run into is a loud scraping noise coming from under the car when applying the brakes. More often than not, this noise is the result of heavily worn brake pads and the rivets or backing plates on the pads making contact with the brake rotor. The scraping is because the two metal surfaces are in contact with each other when you press the brake pedal.


If this situation goes on without correction, the metal plates on the pads will damage the rotors and the car may not stop as it should. In order for the brakes to work correctly, the brake pads need a minimum amount of friction material on them.


Control Issues


If your car pulls to one side when you step on the brakes, this is a good indication that the brakes on one side don't work properly. The brake caliper on the side that the car pulls to works, but the opposite is likely not.


The brake pads could be worn out on one side, the brake caliper may not be working, or air might be in the brake system. The condition could cause the car to veer off the road under hard braking or cause an accident if the car pulls into oncoming traffic.


A car that pulls under braking is dangerous to drive, and you may want to tow it to the shop for repair. If you do drive the car in, take your time and be very cautious.


Repair Intervals


Because everyone drives differently, you can't usually set a repair or service interval for brakes. The best solution is to take the car in for regular service and have the mechanic check the brakes while the car is in the shop. If the car is having a tire rotation, the tech can check the pads and brake system while the wheels are off.


Most service centers will rotate the tires every other oil change, and this is a good time to check the brakes. If you notice a problem between service visits, take the car in and have the technician check it. Many shops offer free brake checks, and if a problem does exist, you need to catch it before it becomes an expensive repair.


If you have a concern about your brakes, Letcher Bros. Auto Repair can help. Bring your car in for a brake check, and one of our knowledgeable technicians will inspect the brakes for you and let you know if the brakes need repair. We also offer full service and tire repair if you need it.

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Have you seen a wet patch underneath your car every time you park it? Before you make conclusions, it's essential to determine if you require expert help to fix the car problem. Whether it's your first car or you have several of them, identifying the leak might be difficult. For this reason, you should learn how to diagnose leaks and make an informed decision. This piece will help you understand the common types of car fluid leaks. Oil Seepage Oil leakage is a common problem you may face as you use a vehicle. The leakage forms a yellow or dark-brown patch under the car after parking it for some time. There are numerous reasons why a car may have an oil leak issue. Maybe you have a damaged oil filter, faulty oil seal, or damaged engine gasket. Issues like a defective or lost cap, holes in the oil pan, and valve gasket problems may also cause seepage. Fixing this seepage issue is affordable, so consider asking the mechanic for assistance. You may prevent this issue by prioritizing car service and oil changes. Ensure the oil you buy is from a good brand. 2. Brake Fluid Leakage Compared to an oil outflow, brake fluid leaks are somewhat challenging to diagnose. You will see a light-brown fluid close to the wheels or brake pads. If you notice this leak, do not hesitate to call your auto mechanic shop for emergency assistance. Brake fluids may leak if your vehicle has wobbly bleeder valves or worn brake pads, or when brake calipers, the rubber hose, or the master or wheel cylinders leak. Because this leak problem is severe, you should stop driving immediately after seeing the fluid signs on the wheels. 3. Power Steering Leakage Never ignore a power steering leak problem, as it indicates that your auto needs repair immediately. You will see this brown or red color leak towards the front part of the automobile. Its drip is thin and may occur after the seals and o-rings lose form because of old age. Older autos or those with significant mileage are more prone to this steering leak problem. You'll know there's a leak if turning the wheel when riding becomes challenging. This usually means the levels of the fluid are low and can't be pressurized. Sometimes the vehicle can also make a sound after turning the wheel. 4. Water Leak Another common fluid that might leak is water. Water leakages are odorless and clear and may appear under the car. The primary cause is the car's AC system. A mechanic should confirm that the clear leak is just water. If it is just water, no further action is necessary. 5. Antifreeze Leakage This is one of the unique leaks you may see under the vehicle. You will see a sticky substance that's pink, yellow, green, and a whole host of other colors. While this leak issue may not be an emergency, you should remedy it soon. The leaks occur when the radiator has a hole, or the sealing gasket is damaged. A blown head gasket or corroded radiator tubes may also cause this issue. So do not ignore the leakage, as it can cause severe complications like engine overheating or failure. You should take auto leaks seriously if you want your vehicle to function optimally without compromising your safety. Once you see wet patches under the car or on the wheels, do not hesitate to inform your mechanic and book an appointment. At Letcher Bros. Auto Repair, we can help diagnose and fix your auto leakage issues, so call us for professional help.