If you notice any of the things listed below, Mechanic One Auto Repair & European warns that your brake system in your European automobile is trying to tell you something. The following are signs of brake problems that should not be ignored. Your brake system is crucial to your vehicle’s safety.
ABS or Brake Light
The ABS light warns you if there is a problem with the antilock brake system. The brake light turns on when you set the parking brake, but it will also warn you if there is a problem in the brake system. Take these dashboard warnings seriously if the lights turn on.
Grinding Sounds
Grinding sounds indicate that your brake pads need to be replaced. The pads may squeal regularly before they start grinding because their surface depth has reached 1/4-of-an-inch and the low pad indicator. You may also hear scraping.
Hot Smells
Squealing brakes accompanied by hot smells is an indication that your brakes are overheating. The hot smells resemble burning carpet or chemicals. Once the brakes reach a certain temperature, you won’t be able to stop your European automobile.
Leaking Fluid
Leaking brake fluid can come from the brake lines or master cylinder. This fluid is crucial in stopping your automobile, so low levels can create dangerous situations. Brake fluid is brown or red and leaks from behind your wheels.
Pulling to the Side
If your car or crossover pulls to the side when you apply the brakes, you may have a problem with one of the calipers or rotors. The caliper could be stuck or the rotor could be warped. Either way, your vehicle should not change direction when you brake.
Squishy Brake Pedal
A soft or squishy brake pedal could mean that you have air in your brake lines. The pedal may also sink all the way to the floor if the master cylinder is malfunctioning. Changes in the resistance of your brake pedal definitely point to problems with the brake system that need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Vibration/Shaking
Finally, your vehicle shouldn’t vibrate or shake when you apply the brakes. If it does, again, you may have warped rotors or an issue with the calipers. The brake system on your European automobile should respond instantly, be smooth, and be quiet.
If this isn’t the case, call Mechanic One Auto Repair & European in Canton, MI, today. We are European automobile experts and we’d be happy to inspect your brake system to find out why it is giving you trouble. Once we have found the problem, we will fix it.
