Brakes are your most important safety system. A seatbelt, for example, can protect you from injury in an accident. Good brakes can prevent an accident from occurring in the first place. The braking system is subject to regular wear, which can lead to damage. Fortunately, in Mequon, WI, your Buick dealer is here to help. These are a few signs that it’s time to see us for a brake repair.
Grinding Noises From the Brakes
When your brakes are working normally, they don’t produce any sound. A grinding noise when you brake may be a sign of a minor or major problem. You might, for example, have something trapped in a brake caliper, or your brake pads may have worn down completely. Our technicians will need to investigate to find the cause of the problem.
A piece of stone or grit jammed in a brake caliper can make grinding noises as the metal caliper closes on the wheel rotor when you brake. Badly worn brake pads will also generate a harsh grinding noise. In this case, the lack of friction material on the brake pad causes the metal pad to grind against the wheel rotor. If this continues, the wheel rotor could become damaged enough to require replacement.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid generates the hydraulic power to bring your car to a stop. When you hit the brakes, the pressurized fluid is forced into the brake hoses. Pressure from the fluid pushes the brake calipers against the wheel rotors. The rough friction material covering the brake pads produces friction against the rotors and stops their movement.
The pressure in the brake hoses means that a small hole can result in a rapid loss of brake fluid. As you lose brake fluid, your brakes will become less responsive. This is a dangerous situation, as your safety depends on your brakes stopping your car exactly when they need to. Our technicians will examine the hoses, brake lines, and other components to find and seal the leak.
Visible Damage
If you look between the wheel spokes, you can see parts of the braking system. Take a flashlight and look at the rotors, brake calipers, brake pads, and the visible sections of the brake hoses. This view doesn’t show the entire braking system, but you may see signs of damage.
Rusted brake lines, leaking hoses, or damaged calipers are some of the signs of impending brake trouble. You might also see grooves carved into the flat surface of the wheel rotors by worn brake pads. If you see any damage, it’s time to call us.
If your brakes show signs of wear, call us immediately at Sommer’s Buick GMC.
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