Brake Repair Red Flags

Brake repair is an important part of responsible auto ownership. Without the ability to stop or slow down easily, a moving car becomes a bomb ready to blow up. It can run into other vehicles traveling the same strip of freeway; it can crash into fences, buildings, people and sail through red lights and stop signs. While some automotive maintenance tasks can be put off for a while, brakes do not fall into this okay-to-procrastinate category. Responsible car owners will maintain their vehicles to keep their automobile functioning for their own transportation purposes as well as to protect others. Here are some red flags that servicing is needed.

Look, Listen & Feel

If you see that the owner's manual schedule of maintenance suggests brake repair at certain mileage, it's wise to heed the advice. Owner's manuals offer a wealth of information for the specific make, model and year of a vehicle. Another thing to look for is a lit message on the dashboard alerting "check your brakes." These flashing red lights are there for a reason and should never be ignored. This is true for any lights on one's dashboard. Next, listen to any unusual sounds that may be coming from the sedan or truck when the brake pedal is pressed. Squeaks, screeches or other noises must be investigated. They might be worn out, requiring a new set of pads or there could be another problem. Feeling a change in response when the braking devices are pressed is another red flag. Does the car need more foot pressure to stop or slow down? Pay attention! Your vehicle is trying to tell you something.

Other Signs That Brakes Need Attention

Some other signals of impending servicing needs are low fluids. First of all, fluids must be kept up to a certain level. If they seem to be disappearing more rapidly than one might expect, it's time to check out the situation. Are the bleeder valves loose or is there a problem with the Master Cylinder? While the bleeder valves are a simple fix, the Master Cylinder issue is not. If the Master Cylinder is the problem, this is a serious issue that must be addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible. Be prepared for a substantial bill, too. Regular preventative maintenance could have kept that big bill from happening so it's best to learn the lesson and be more proactive next time.

Who Should Perform Brake Repair

It's wise to find a mechanic or automotive shop that offers competent and trustworthy service. If you don't have one already, ask your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers for a word-of-mouth referral. Check online for reviews to see what others in your community are saying about the place. Finding technicians who are certified and have good communication skills will be a crucial step, as well.

When it comes to being a responsible automobile owner, brake repair is near the top of the list. When red flags start appearing to warn you about servicing needs, it's crucial to pay attention and keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe.