Your car, truck, or utility vehicle will pull to the side when you apply the brakes if one of the calipers is stuck. Unfortunately, this can happen if the calipers are older than 75,000 miles. This is the average lifespan of the brake calipers. In other words, they should be changed at this mileage milestone. Pulling to the side is just one problem that can occur with the brake system. Here are other problems.
Dashboard Warning
You may end up with a warning on your vehicle’s dashboard that the brake system is malfunctioning. Specifically, there are two lights on the dashboard that apply to the brake system. The first is the ABS light, and the second is the Brake light. If either of these lights illuminates while you are driving your automobile, pull over and call for a tow truck to bring you to our shop.
Strange Noises
Your brake system may also start to make strange noises if it is going bad. Specifically, it will squeal or scrape if the brake pads are too low. It may also squeal if it is getting too hot.
Wobbling/Shaking
Your vehicle can wobble or shake when you press down on the brake pedal if there is a piece of road debris stuck in one of the calipers. The automobile can also wobble or shake if the rotor surfaces are warped and need to be recut. This should be done every 60,000 miles.
Leaking Fluid
The brake system can also start to leak fluid if it is getting too old. Specifically, a sign that the master cylinder needs to be replaced is leaking brake fluid. In addition, the brake hoses can leak fluid if they have dried out and cracked.
Squishy Pedal
Speaking of the brake hoses, you may have air in them if your brake pedal feels squishy when you press down on it. Unfortunately, this air can cause the brakes to fail. As such, you should have your vehicle towed to our shop as soon as possible so we can believe the brake lines.
Overheating
Finally, the brake system can overheat if it is having problems. Excess heat will make the brakes squeal every time that you use them. You may also smell burning odors such as carpets or chemicals if the brake system is too hot.
Call us today if you need to schedule an appointment for your vehicle’s brake system. Remember, this is the most important safety system on your automobile.
