Signs That Your Brakes Need Repair
Do not think of brake repair as the end of the world! It is really just another component of a good car maintenance program. Think about it: your brakes are intended to wear down in the act of stopping your car and would not be doing their job properly otherwise. Brake repair returns your braking system to full functionality, just as a tune up brings your engine back up to snuff.
Your brakes have a way of letting you know when brake repair is necessary. If your brake light illuminates when your parking brake is disengaged, have your brake fluid level checked. It may be too low. Either a light amber colored liquid pooling underneath your car or a distinctive and pungent odor (or both) indicates the presence of a leak somewhere in your system. You cannot mistake the smell of leaking brake fluid.
Take your car in for brake repair if your brake pedal or wheel begins vibrating. There could be an issue with one of your rotors. Squealing brakes when you come to a stop also signal the need for brake repair. There is an exception to this rule: if your brakes begin squealing not long after you have had your brakes repaired, it usually means that the brake repair shop did not complete the repair process. Brakes that squeal after the brake pedal is released usually indicate that the brake wear indicators are scraping against the rotors. Grinding or growling results from metal on metal scraping from worn brake pads.
Keep a couple of things in mind about brake fluid. Brake fluid can be contaminated by metal flakes and moisture, which cause problems with calipers and wheel cylinders. Have your brake fluid inspected on a regular basis. Also, do not automatically have your brake fluid topped off whenever you take your car in for service. Too much brake fluid prevents the brake wear system from working properly. Lastly, be sure to keep your metal on metal braking components lubricated to create an appropriate barrier between them.