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How to Tell if You Need Brake Repair

Automobile brake pads replacement in car repair shop or garage
juan-lara 2021-02-10

There are a few obvious indications that something may be wrong with your brakes. To tell if you need brake repair, pay attention to these telltale signs.

High-Pitched Screeching Noises

Hearing a squealing sound when you press the brake isn’t always a bad thing. This can happen if you haven’t driven your car in a while, especially after heavy rain or cold weather. Rust can develop on the brake discs but rub off after you drive the car. Though, if this sound persists, it’s time to schedule an appointment to fix the problem.

Grinding Sounds

This is not a nice sound to hear while you’re driving. In fact, it’s likely a built-in warning that you need brake repair. Pads that have nearly worn down will start making this noise. It’s likely you’ll need to have the brake pads and discs replaced.

Wobbly or Jittery Braking

Sometimes this wobbling can be felt in the steering wheel. If you tend to brake often while driving, you’ll probably need more frequent brake repairs. For example, when the pads heat up, the material they’re made from can actually coat the brake rotors, creating an uneven surface. These discs can become “warped” over time, and may need changing.

Related Content: Car Maintenance Tips to Avoid Expensive Repairs

Slow Response to Braking

If you begin to notice changes when you push the brake pedal, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected. Notably, slow response times can be dangerous—regardless of how fast you’re driving. So, if your vehicle is taking longer to come to a full stop, schedule a brake repair as soon as possible.

Car Pulls to One Side

This is generally the result of brake calipers or a brake hose that is failing. What ends up happening is the balance between the wheels causes one side to brake unevenly. Your car will pull in the opposite direction of the side that’s faltering.

Related Content: What Maintenance is Needed for ABS Brakes?

Mysterious Driveway Puddles

If you start to notice little pools of liquid under your vehicle, these puddles could be coming from the lines that run hydraulic fluid to your brakes. One of the signs that you should look for is a soft brake pedal. If the brake fluid is leaking somewhere, there won’t be enough pressure for the hydraulic system to properly clamp down.

Lafayette Brake Repair

If you’ve noticed any of these signs while driving, it’s best to schedule a local car service for your peace of mind. Regular car maintenance can actually cut down on your need for brake repair and other automotive repair services. Call Lafayette German Car today at (925) 284-3390 to learn more about our specials.

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What Maintenance is Needed for ABS Brakes?

ABS Brakes
juan-lara 2020-06-15

ABS brakes

In the event of emergency braking, ABS will help you make a smoother stop by reducing the chances of skidding and improving stability.

ABS, also known as abs brakes, are a safety feature in modern trucks, cars, and motorcycles. They electronically control brakes to enhance traction and stopping distances, so your wheels don’t lock up on potentially slippery surfaces.

Although ABS brake systems are durable, they aren’t indestructible. They need proper care and maintenance to increase their longevity and minimize brake repair. For example, faulty ABS brakes can’t function properly since there’s no communication between the electronic control, brakes, and sensors.

Furthermore, ignoring ABS brake trouble can take you off the road for an extended period of time, and can be dangerous, requiring brake repair.

So, what maintenance is needed for ABS brakes to ensure they last for the long haul?

Signs that you need abs maintenance:

When brake pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor – this can be due to fluid leaking out of the master cylinder.

Keep Your Car’s Brakes Clean

Keeping your brake system clean allows the brake fluid to run through and against the brakes properly. This way, it ensures your ABS operates when needed. You can keep your brakes clean by spraying them with a hose to wash off excess dirt and dust.

Replace Your Brake Fluid Regularly

Changing your brake fluid regularly ensures that your anti-lock brakes work efficiently. For instance, when your brake fluid is dirty or contaminated, it changes how your brake system functions, causing your wheels to lock up. Therefore, it’s wise to replace old brake fluid during scheduled maintenance appointments, depending on its mileage.

Additionally, ignoring your brake fluid replacement can damage your master’s cylinder, callipers, and brake linings, which are expensive to repair.

Schedule Maintenance

All ABS brake systems have an interval of mileage or time for how often you should schedule a maintenance service. You can check your manufacturer’s manual to know this interval so that you never miss a service.

Scheduling regular maintenance for your anti-lock brakes reduces the risk that they’ll malfunction. It also allows you to identify and fix brake issues early, saving you money in brake repair or replacement costs in the long run.

Have the Speed Sensor Calibrated

ABS speed sensors can become misaligned over time, requiring calibration. But, to calibrate your speed sensors, you’ll need an experienced brake service specialist to reset your speed sensors correctly.

Need an abs repair service?

Lafayette German Car specializes in the repair of your vehicle’s abs system. We have a team of specialists with years of experience and the latest technology to diagnose and fix your car. We are committed to excellence in customer service and keeping our customers informed about their vehicle.

Brake Repair and Maintenance

When it comes to safety, there is no substitute for German engineering. The new Lafayette is the latest German car to hit America’s streets.

Following your factory-scheduled maintenance ensures that old parts are replaced before they become a problem. But when your anti-lock brakes aren’t responding as quickly as they used to, it’s time to schedule brake repair services. If you’re in the Lafayette area, schedule with us at (925) 284-3390, or check out our specials online.