For vehicle owners who know their vehicle, they will notice when something’s not quite right. For example, if the stopping distance of their vehicle is too long, it may be apparent that brake service is needed to determine the cause. They understand that a vehicle’s braking system is its most critical safety item, but like most other components and systems, brakes deteriorate and fail. It is inevitable that a brake repair or even a replacement will be necessary.
There are several factors that affect wear:
- Driving habits
- Operating conditions
- Vehicle type
- Quality of the brake lining material
Familiarize yourself with the warning signs below and schedule a brake service if you notice the braking system is not working as it should.
- Noise when stepping on the brake pedal. A little squeaking when the brakes are wet or when you drive first thing in the morning is normal until they warm up. But how long should these sounds persist? If you hear a consistent squeak or whistling every time you step on the pedal, schedule a brake service as soon as possible. If you continue driving, you may cause more extensive damage to your braking system, leading to a costly brake repair.
- The car pulls to one side during braking. This could be one of many things—uneven wear, a problem in the calipers or lines, or even an alignment or suspension issue. Stopping shouldn’t cause your car to pull to one side, whatever the reason. Schedule a brake service right away.
- Pulsating pedal. This can “sometimes” be normal behavior—Anti-Lock Braking systems will pulsate a little under hard braking. Under certain conditions, such as sudden temperature changes, the rotors can bend or warp, leading to weird pulsations while stopping. This is a problem that can be corrected fairly simply and inexpensively as part of a brake service.
- A “mushy” pedal. A mushy or spongy pedal could indicate air in the lines, which means a technician will need to “bleed” the system. It could also be a symptom of low fluid, and that’s a big, red alert. Seek help immediately. Don’t drive your car until the cause of the problem has been found.
Are you needing professional brake repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about brake service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
For vehicle owners who know their vehicle, they will notice when something’s not quite right. For example, if the stopping distance of their vehicle is too long, it may be apparent that brake service is needed to determine the cause. They understand that a vehicle’s braking system is its most critical safety item, but like most other components and systems, brakes deteriorate and fail. It is inevitable that a brake repair or even a replacement will be necessary.
There are several factors that affect wear:
- Driving habits
- Operating conditions
- Vehicle type
- Quality of the brake lining material
Familiarize yourself with the warning signs below and schedule a brake service if you notice the braking system is not working as it should.
- Noise when stepping on the brake pedal. A little squeaking when the brakes are wet or when you drive first thing in the morning is normal until they warm up. But how long should these sounds persist? If you hear a consistent squeak or whistling every time you step on the pedal, schedule a brake service as soon as possible. If you continue driving, you may cause more extensive damage to your braking system, leading to a costly brake repair.
- The car pulls to one side during braking. This could be one of many things—uneven wear, a problem in the calipers or lines, or even an alignment or suspension issue. Stopping shouldn’t cause your car to pull to one side, whatever the reason. Schedule a brake service right away.
- Pulsating pedal. This can “sometimes” be normal behavior—Anti-Lock Braking systems will pulsate a little under hard braking. Under certain conditions, such as sudden temperature changes, the rotors can bend or warp, leading to weird pulsations while stopping. This is a problem that can be corrected fairly simply and inexpensively as part of a brake service.
- A “mushy” pedal. A mushy or spongy pedal could indicate air in the lines, which means a technician will need to “bleed” the system. It could also be a symptom of low fluid, and that’s a big, red alert. Seek help immediately. Don’t drive your car until the cause of the problem has been found.
Are you needing professional brake repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about brake service. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
