Brake Repair: 3 Problems That Shouldn't Be Ignored

When it comes to your vehicle, there are problems that can safely be ignored until you have the money and time to get them fixed. The preset buttons on your radio are sticking? The glove compartment won't open? The passenger side door handle is broken? These are things that can wait. When it comes to brake repair, however, you need to get a problem taken care of as soon as it comes to your attention. It can be dangerous and potentially costly to do otherwise. Small, cheap issues can become very expensive if you don't take them in immediately. Here are three problems that shouldn't be ignored.

Grabbing

Have you ever pulled to a stop and felt as though your braking system was catching on something? This is a relatively common problem, and the actual problem is usually very close to what the driver senses is happening (which isn't always the case when it comes to brake repair and other car maintenance issues). Usually, "something" is the calipers catching oil or grease gathering on the linings. This is a cheap fix, and usually only requires that the mechanic clean these areas. You might want to also make sure you don't have a leak somewhere.

Low Fluid

You should get into the habit of checking all of your fluids on a regular basis, including the brake fluid. If you notice that it is consistently low (or that you are leaving green spots wherever you go), you probably have a leak that needs to be fixed. This is no laughing matter. You can get away with a power steering fluid leak for a long time, but this kind of leak requires immediate brake repair. Don't delay in getting your car in front of a good mechanic. You may need a part replaced so that you don't experience this problem in the future.

Squealing/Grinding

These are the sounds that tell you when you need new pads. They come from the metal of the caliper meeting the metal of the rotor. Some pads come with an early-warning system that will produce a high pitched squeal before you actually start touching the rotor with metal. You should get your pads replaced as soon as your start hearing this squeal on a regular basis. If you hear grinding, however, you need brake repair as soon as possible. This could mean that your rotors are being damaged by the calipers. It's unsafe to drive with your braking system in this condition and it will be much more expensive to replace your rotors than just your pads.