I still remember the day that I bought my first car. I thought it was the most perfect vehicle in the world, and I vowed to care for it diligently. Unfortunately, within a few days I had forgotten about my promise, and I started tossing fast food wrappers in the back like everyone else. After awhile I realized that neglecting my car was turning the inside into a garbage pit, and I decided to learn how to take better care of my vehicle. I took a class on auto detailing, and it really helped me to turn things around. I want to teach you what I learned, so you should read this blog.
Purchasing an imported vehicle can be an exciting adventure that comes with a great sense of accomplishment. With that accomplishment, however, comes the responsibility of working to keep your vehicle in the best possible shape. For many people, this includes educating themselves about the signs and sounds that may signal a pending serious issue with their car.
Below, you'll find a guide to some signs which may suggest that your vehicle is in need of work on its brakes. Standard disc brakes all require repair and replacement over time, and making sure that you're aware of these warning signs will help guarantee that you avoid a catastrophic failure and stay safely on the road.
Increased Pressure
Modern disc brakes operate by forcing hydraulic fluid to cause a clamp to grab a rotating, circular drum. Because hydraulic pressure is required, the force that you apply to the brake pedal is transferred into the lines and helps to determine how firmly the brakes will operate.
If you find yourself having to apply additional pressure in order to achieve the same braking force, it's likely a sign that your system has some damage. Often, this simply means that your pads and rotors have worn down and are in need of replacement, but it can also be a sign that you have a leak or other lack of fluid in your system.
High Pitched Sounds
No one will be more familiar with the sounds your car makes on a daily basis than you, which means you need to be vigilant about any changes in those sounds. In particular, modern brake rotors are designed with a thin layer which produces a high-pitched squeal when exposed. This layer's exposure signals that it's time to have your brakes checked.
Be mindful of these sounds and be sure to follow their lead. Otherwise, you may find yourself fracturing a brake rotor, leading to potentially serious damage to your wheel well or even creating a situation where your brakes fail entirely.
Unusual Smells
Ultimately, braking power is a function of friction, and when metal rubs on metal, unpleasant odors can occur. The material in your brake pads is designed to mitigate that grinding and the subsequent results, but when they start to break down, you may notice strange smells coming from near your wheels. When this happens, you should be sure to have your brakes checked before they overheat and spread the issue to other areas of your vehicle.
For more information, contact Sterling Service Inc. or a similar company.
Share7 July 2015
