5 Car Braking Issues and Their Possible Solutions
Although brakes are one of the most used car systems, they happen to be among the least understood. While you can often easily diagnose other car problems such as overheating and low engine power, the same cannot always be said about braking problems. Learn about some common braking problems and their possible solutions.
1. YOUR VEHICLE HAS DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS
If your vehicle's brake warning light is on, the issue could be as easy as an engaged handbrake. If this is not the case, you could have an acute problem such as worn-out brake pads, low brake fluid or worn-out sensors.
If the car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), it could produce an ABS warning light. This light alerts you about a dysfunctional ABS module, worn-out wheel speed sensors, low brake fluid levels or frayed wiring between the ABS sensors and module.
The best way to deal with a warning light is by quickly inspecting to determine the cause of the warning light. If you cannot detect the issue, ask your mechanic to run a computer diagnosis on the vehicle.
2. YOUR VEHICLE PRODUCES STRANGE BRAKING SOUNDS
A screeching or squealing brake noise can have various causes. First, your brake pads could be worn out. Some pads have wear tabs that press against the brake disk to produce a squealing sound once the brake pads wear out.
The sounds could also be from a rusted brake disk or foreign material stuck between the brake disk and pads. Worn-out calliper bolts, wheel bearings and brake shims could also cause these strange sounds.
3. YOUR VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN BRAKING
You could experience two types of vibrations: steering and braking vibrations. These vibrations occur when the car has uneven brake discs. The disks could be worn out, rusted or damaged. Once the pads press the disks at high speeds, the brake pedal or steering column is likely to vibrate.
The issue is not difficult to solve. Take the disks for professional resurfacing. This is a sure way to restore the smoothness and evenness of the disks.
4. YOUR VEHICLE PRODUCES STRANGE SMELLS WHEN BRAKING
The problem is likely to occur when you overwork your brakes, causing the brake fluid to overheat. For example, you could be tackling a steep incline at high speeds or using the vehicle on the track. Solve this problem is by stopping the car to allow the brake fluid to cool down. Alternatively, you could apply less pressure on the brakes.
If you intend to overwork the brakes, the best way to avoid overheating is by using brake fluids with a high boiling point.
5. YOUR VEHICLE'S BRAKES GO ALL THE WAY IN
This issue could cause panic among most car owners. It occurs when the vehicle has leaks along the brake lines. As the brake fluid reduces, the system loses its hydraulic and braking properties. You could also experience this if the vehicle has worn-out brake pads.
If you experience this issue, pump the brake pedal and check if you will have the brakes back. However, have a professional check the vehicle since you should not drive without any brakes.
Brakes are a critical safety feature in every automobile. Diagnosing and resolving braking issues can be a complex task for car owners who do not have any experience in automobile repairs.
At Stop Master Brakes, we pride ourselves on being experts in all kinds of automobile braking issues. If you happen to experience any of the above problems, contact our team today and enjoy the convenience of working with industry leaders. We look forward to helping you with your braking needs.
