Signs That Your Brakes Need Servicing

• Squeaking or Squealing Sounds: This usually indicates that your brake pads are wearing thin. Many brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that makes a noise to alert you it’s time for a replacement.
• Grinding Noise: If you hear grinding when you brake, it likely means your brake pads are completely worn down, and the metal backing is rubbing against the rotors. This can cause significant damage to the rotors.
• Vibrations When Braking: If you feel vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel when you brake, it could mean that your rotors are warped and need to be resurfaced or replaced.
• Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: This often points to a problem with your brake fluid or air in the brake lines. In this case, you might need a brake fluid flush or bleed.
• Car Pulls to One Side When Braking: This could be a sign of uneven wear on your brake pads or a problem with your calipers.
• Brake Warning Light: If your brake warning light comes on, it’s a sign that your braking system needs immediate attention.

Our Brake Inspection

During our brake service, our mechanic will perform the following:

• We will check the thickness of the brake pads. Over time, brake pads wear down from the friction they generate when slowing your car. They must be replaced to maintain safe braking if they become too thin.
• We will inspect the rotors for wear, warping, and surface damage, such as grooves or cracks. We use a micrometer to measure the rotor’s thickness and check for uneven wear.
• We will check the brake fluid level and inspect for contamination. Brake fluid should be clear or light amber; if it’s dark or dirty, it may need to be flushed and replaced.
• We will visually inspect the brake lines and hoses for cracks, leaks, or corrosion. Damaged or leaking brake lines reduce the hydraulic pressure needed for effective braking, leading to weak brakes or brake failure.
• Our mechanic will inspect the brake calipers to ensure they are functioning properly and not sticking. Calipers apply pressure to the brake pads, pressing them against the rotors.
• For vehicles with drum brakes, we will inspect the brake drums for wear or scoring and check the brake shoes for proper thickness.
• Our expert technicians will check that the parking brake (handbrake) is properly adjusted and engages/disengages correctly.
• We will check the brake pedal’s travel and resistance. We’ll also see if there’s any excessive play in the pedal, which could indicate an issue with the brake system.
• We will inspect the master cylinder for leaks and check its overall function.
• Our mechanics will check for any looseness or roughness in the wheel bearings, which can affect braking and overall wheel performance.