Salt Lake Brake Repair: Important Signs You Can’t Ignore
Driving through Utah’s roads and canyons requires a dependable vehicle. With our ever-changing landscape of mountain passes, commuter traffic, and extreme weather, your vehicle’s brakes are without a doubt its most important safety component. Every time you press down on that brake pedal you need to trust that your car will stop smoothly and quickly. Brake problems are often ignored by drivers who don’t recognize the early signs of brake wear and tear. Inaccurately diagnosing brake problems can create unsafe driving situations and lead to major mechanic expenses later on.
Every driver should educate themselves on the common signs of failing brakes. The sooner you can identify a small problem, the easier it is to save your rotors, calipers, and your life. When Salt Lake brake repair is needed, you should know exactly what to listen and look for before visiting your local mechanic. At Pyle Automotive, we have experienced every brake problem under the sun and want to teach you how to identify when it’s time to bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection.
Screeching or Squealing Brakes
A high-itched squeaking or squealing sound when slowing to a stop is typically the first sign your brakes need replacement. Brake pads are manufactured with a small metal strip attached to the friction material. As your brake pads wear down from normal driving use, this metal tab will begin to scrape along the brake rotor every time you press the brake pedal. This is your car’s way of telling you the brake pads are wearing out.
Occasionally hearing this noise after stopping at a traffic light on a cold morning or during a rainy week can be normal brake noises. Rust can build up on your brake rotors over time and will squeak as the brake pad grips the uneven corrosion. However, if you hear a consistent squeaking noise every time you apply the brakes, it’s time to come into Pyle Automotive for Salt Lake brake repair. The last thing you want is for your brake pads to completely wear out and cause damage to your rotors. Once your pads are fully depleted you put your car at risk for complete brake failure. Bring your car in to Pyle and we’ll get your brakes replaced in no time.
Grinding Noise When Pressing Brakes
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If you fail to acknowledge the squealing noise, it will eventually turn into a loud grinding noise. A grinding noise coming from your brakes is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. This loud noise is caused when your brake pads completely wear out and grind against your brake rotors.
Metal to metal contact will quickly ruin your rotors, and drive ability will be severely compromised when your brakes lock up. Not only will your stopping distance be increased, but replacing your brake pads will now include replacing your rotors as well. If your vehicle is making a grinding noise when you press your brakes, pull over and bring your car to Pyle immediately.
Vibrating Steering Wheel or Brake Pedal
Applying your brakes should never cause your vehicle to shake or vibrate. If you feel extreme vibration coming through your steering wheel when slowing to a stop, your rotors are likely warped. Brake rotors are what your brake pads clamp down onto when slowing your vehicle. Heavy usage of your brakes, such as driving down Utah’s mountain grades, can cause your rotors to overheat and warp.
Driving with uneven brake rotors can cause your vehicle to bounce when your brakes are applied. This is caused when your brake pads are pressing against an uneven surface and can send vibration through your steering wheel. Not only is this uncomfortable to drive with, but it can wear down your tires and suspension prematurely. At Pyle Automotive, we can measure your rotor’s thickness and determine if they can be repaired or need to be replaced.
Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal
When you press down on your brake pedal, it should never feel soft or spongy. A brake pedal that sinks to the floor with little resistance is a huge safety concern. Most of the time, a soft brake pedal is an indication of a problem in your vehicle’s hydraulic system.
If there is air in your brake lines or you are leaking brake fluid, your car will lose all hydraulic pressure needed to stop. Brake fluid is what transfers the pressure from your foot into clamping down at your wheels. Without brake fluid, your car will not be able to stop. Do not drive your car if your brake pedal feels soft to the touch. Have your car towed into Pyle Automotive and we’ll pinpoint the leak and have your brakes working like new in no time.
Pulling to One Side When Braking
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Once you hit the brakes, your vehicle should stop straight. If you feel your vehicle pulling hard to one side or another, you have a braking imbalance. Braking imbalances are caused when one side of your vehicle has more braking power than the other.
There are several different problems that could cause your vehicle to pull to one side. You can have a sticky brake caliper, collapsed brake hose, or uneven brake pad wear. Any of these issues can compromise your safety on icy roads and cause your car to slip out of control. Schedule an appointment at Pyle Automotive and we’ll inspect your calipers and make sure pressure is being applied to each wheel evenly.
Brake Warning Lights On Dashboard
Do not ignore any dashboard lights that come on while driving. Your car is manufactured with sensors that monitor how well your brakes are functioning. If your ABS light comes on, it could mean you have a bad wheel speed sensor or your computer is unable to control your brakes during an emergency stop.
Your brake warning light should also come on if your brake fluid is low or if your parking brake is engaged. If you disengage your parking brake and your light does not turn off, it’s time to have your car looked at by a professional. Stop by Pyle Automotive and we can run a diagnostic to see what sensors are triggering your dashboard warning lights.
Come to Pyle Automotive for Brake Maintenance in Salt Lake
We understand how important your vehicle’s brakes are when driving in Utah. Not only does your braking system keep you safe, but it also protects everyone around you on the road. By knowing what to look for when your brakes need repairing, you can prevent more serious issues from happening. The only thing you should worry about is finding a reliable mechanic to fix your brakes.
Here at Pyle Automotive we pride ourselves on honest, affordable, and high-quality Salt Lake brake repair. Our technicians will go over your repairs with you and explain exactly what needs to be done to keep you safe on the road. Don’t wait until that quiet squeak turns into a loud roar. Come to Pyle Automotive and feel confident driving with brakes you can trust.
Schedule your next appointment online or give us a call today at (801) 467-7455 to learn more about our brake maintenance services!