9 Ways To Tell If You Need Brake Repair Services | Gretna, LA
It would interest you to know that out of the 5.6 million car crashes that occur in the US yearly, about 300,000 are caused by brake failure. While it’s easy to ignore the brake light when it comes on, this negligence might cost you your life. Since brake repair services in Gretna, LA aren’t too costly, there’s no reason to do so. Regular servicing and repairs are vital for your car brakes to function effectively. Failing to do so compromises your safety and that of your passengers on the road.
Here are seven ways to identify whether you need to repair your brakes.
The Brake Light Comes On
This sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people ignore the brake lights because “it always does that.” Sure, your brake lights come on more frequently than they should, but that doesn’t mean you should completely overlook them.
When the brake lights come on, it’s time to take your car for a brake inspection and possible repairs. That way, you can drive safely across the streets of LA without fear of brake failure. The inspection and subsequent repairs are not only good for your safety but also your peace of mind.
Squealing or Grinding Noises While Driving
Strange noises coming from your car while driving or braking are never a good sign. When you brake your car and hear a high-pitched squealing noise, the brakes definitely need repairs. The same goes when you hear a bit of grinding while driving or reversing.
A High Pitched Squeal
When the wear indicators in your brakes come into contact with the rotors, it produces a squealing noise. This noise indicates that you need to repair or replace your brake pads. You are likely only a few trips away from complete brake failure.
Grinding Noises
It’s hard to pin down exactly what grinding noises could indicate. It could mean there’s a rock stuck in the caliper unit, or your brake pads are completely worn. The only surefire way to know is to take the car in for brake repair services ASAP before it’s too late.
Soft Brake Pedal
If you press down on the brake pedal and it feels too soft, you need to take your car to an auto repair shop immediately. There are many reasons why your braking pedal may seem “spongy,” but the most common one is air getting into the brake line and preventing the fluid from functioning correctly.
Car Tilts to the Side when Braking
Knowing how heavy LA traffic is, you can’t afford your car tilting to the side while braking. This happens when the calipers on one side apply more pressure than those on the other side. If this happens, it’s essential to take the car for repair services immediately. This could be the difference between you getting home safely or crashing into a car in the next lane when you hit the brakes.
Vibration While Driving
Does your steering wheel randomly vibrate while you’re on the road? If it does, this could indicate that your vehicle’s rotor is damaged or uneven. It’s best to take your car to an auto repair shop for a comprehensive brake system inspection, followed by brake repair services.
It’s worth noting that the rotor is a circular disc that your brake pads press on on either side to slow down or stop the car. With time, the rotor wears down, making it harder for the brake pads to grip it. This deterioration compromises the car’s braking ability. If that’s the case, it’s important to replace the rotor completely.
You Smell Something Burning While Driving
It’s never a good idea to continue revving the engine when you smell something burning in the car. This burning smell in the car usually occurs after hard braking causes the brakes to overheat. When they do, they heat up the brake fluid, and the water turns into steam, compromising the car’s braking ability. If this occurs while driving, safely pull over to the side of the road and locate the nearest auto repair shop for immediate brake repair services.
Leaking Fluid
Leaking fluid indicates that you may have problems with your car’s braking system. You’ll need a professional technician to establish the source of the leak. You never know if what’s leaking is brake fluid, and without enough brake fluid, there won’t be enough pressure on the rotor to slow it down or stop it.
How to Find the Best Brake Repair Services
If you’re having trouble picking the right brake repair service in Gretna, LA from the myriad of options, here are a couple of tips to help you pick the best.
- Check Online Reviews: Online reviews can tell you a lot about the quality of service and professionalism you can expect from an auto repair shop. Read reviews from reputable review sites like the BBB and Yelp to know the kind of auto shop you’re dealing with.
- Check the company’s experience: Experience usually goes hand in hand with the quality of services and professionalism in an auto repair shop. As a thumb rule, look for car repair services with at least five years of experience for the best results.
- Check for warranties: The last thing you want is a mechanic tampering with your braking system and doing more harm than good. Only settle for brake repair services with warranties to sidestep shoddy work and out-of-pocket costs for the mechanic’s mistake.
- Check their price estimate: You want to settle for an auto repair shop that matches your budget. Anything too expensive is out of the question, but don’t settle for the cheapest one.
Brake Repair Services May Save Your Life
Driving around Los Angeles with faulty brakes is a recipe for disaster. Look out for these telltale signs that you need to repair your brakes to safeguard your safety on the road. Remember, a trip to the auto repair shop might be the difference between smooth driving and a trip to the ER. So don’t hesitate to call your mechanic or visit your local auto repair shop if you sense something wrong with the brakes. At Mr. Mechanic Auto Care, your safety is our priority. Contact us today for top-notch brake repair services in Gretna, LA.
