If you’ve ever wondered how often you should have your brake system maintained, the general recommendation is every 12,000 miles. It’s possible that nothing will need to be done, but checking the brakes once a year at a maximum ensures that all minor problems are found before they become major problems. AmeriFix warns that you don’t want to have problems with your brake system. If you fail to maintain it, you may run into the following issues.
Grinding/Squealing Noises
When you apply the brakes, you shouldn’t hear any noises. If you hear squealing sounds, grinding sounds, or scraping, there is a problem with your brake pads that needs to be addressed right away. The brake pads have worn out and they need to be replaced.
Hot/Burning Odors
Squealing noises also occur when your brakes are overheating. If your brakes smell hot or like burning chemicals, they are overheating and it’s important that you stop driving your automobile right away. If you continue to drive your vehicle with overheating brakes, the brakes may fail.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Leaking brake fluid is also a sign of a brake system problem. Brake fluid comes into colors: brown, which is more common, and red. If you see either of these colors on your garage floor near the inside of the wheels, your brakes are leaking fluid out of the brake lines. Fluid can also leak out of the master cylinder. No matter where the fluid is leaking from, low brake fluid makes stopping your automobile feel difficult if not impossible.
Spongy/Squishy Brake Pedal
You may also end up with a spongy or squishy brake pedal if you have air in the brake lines or the master cylinder is going bad. The resistance that your brake pedal gives your foot shouldn’t change. It shouldn’t feel softer or harder. In addition, your brake pedal should always stop approximately 1 1/2 inches from your floorboard. If any of these things change, you’ve got a problem in the brake system.
Wobbling, Shaking, Vibration
Finally, when you apply the brakes, your vehicle shouldn’t wobble, shake, or vibrate. It also shouldn’t pull to one side. If this happens, it’s possible there is an issue with one or more of the calipers or the rotors.
Call AmeriFix in Franklin, TN, for a brake inspection if it’s been more than 12,000 miles since your last one or if you are experiencing any of the problems listed above. We can repair your brakes to restore their normal functionality.
