There are certainly a lot of important components in a car. You obviously need a good starter to turn it on as well as a good engine to keep it going. However, there is arguably nothing more vital in a car than the brakes. Think about how dangerous driving would be if your brakes did not do their job properly or – much worse – suddenly stopped working entirely. This is why if there is a problem, you need to get a brake repair as soon as possible. Here are the five most common issues people face when it comes to their brakes.
Pulling to One Side
If your car pulls to one side or the other when you apply the breaks, this could be due to a variety of things, but most likely it is a frozen caliper. One way this happens is when the dust boot protecting the piston on the caliper gets damaged, allowing water and dirt to get inside, which causes corrosion. A new caliper will then be needed. It is also possible that the pistons were bent, possibly from a car accident. A professional will be able to identify the problem.
Soft Brake Pedal
If you have to press down on your brake pedal until it is almost at the floor, this is a very serious matter. The problem could be related to a leak in the braking system; generally it will be the master cylinder either internally or externally. To fix this, an immediate brake repair is required.
Shaking Car
Does you entire car shake when you step on the brake pedal? You probably have an issue with your rear brakes. This brake repair will most likely involve resurfacing the rear drums or replacing them, if necessary.
Shaking Steering Wheel
If your steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes, chances are the trouble lies with the rotors. They could be warped or have developed hot spots. If you do not drive your car too often, moisture from the atmosphere can cause rotors to rust. When you get a brake repair, you may be able to have your rotors resurfaced if they are still thick enough. If they are too thin, you will need to have them replaced.
Pulsing Brake Pedal
If the brake pedal pulses up and down when you press on it, most likely the rotors are warped or have lost their shape. Again, when you bring your car in for a brake repair, you could have the option to resurface the rotors or have new ones put in.
Have you noticed issues with your brakes? To avoid putting you and your passengers in any danger, it is crucial that you have your car looked at right away. If you want to ensure your brakes get the attention they need, bring your car down to Xpress Lube. Our technicians will give them a complete examination, identify the problems, and then make sure you get a quality brake repair.