Brake Repair: Common Causes Of Poor Car Brake Performance | Gretna, LA
The performance of your car’s brakes is an essential component of safe and reliable driving. Whether you’re a professional driver, a weekend adventurer, or an urban commuter, good brake performance is crucial to keeping you and those around you safe. Unfortunately, poor brake performance is an all-too-common occurrence for many drivers. To help you better understand the causes of poor car brake performance, this blog will explore some of the most common culprits. If you notice any signs below, visit an auto shop for brake repair.
Worn Brake Pads
Worn brake pads are among the most common causes of poor car brake performance. They can decrease your car’s overall stopping power and negatively impact your reaction time while driving. As they slowly wear down, metallic particles and dust can accumulate on the rotors, reducing efficiency. To ensure optimal safety, it’s important to check your brakes occasionally, looking for signs of worn-out pads. For example, look at them through the wheel spokes—if they look worn or thin, you should visit a brake repair shop as soon as possible. Keeping up with routine maintenance can also help avoid the need for costly brake repairs.
Brake Fluid Contamination
Another common cause of poor brake performance is brake fluid contamination. Brake fluid acts as a hydraulic medium, transferring force from the master cylinder to the brake calipers and then to the wheels. Over time, however, the fluid can become contaminated with dirt and other particles, reducing efficiency and causing your brakes to malfunction. When pressing the brakes, listen for a spongy or soft pedal to identify a problem of contaminated brake fluid. The changes in color and thickness of your brake fluid are also clear indicators that contamination may be present and prompt action should be taken once these changes are identified.
To fix this issue, visit a trusted auto shop for brake repair. After inspecting the situation and confirming that it is caused by contaminated brake fluid, a technician will flush the system of all dirt and particles and replace the old fluid with fresh, new fluid.
Low Brake Fluid
Low brake fluid is a common reason for cars experiencing poor braking performance. It’s simple physics – when there isn’t enough brake fluid in your car, the brakes do not have anywhere near the same stopping power because it has to pressurize other parts to function properly. If the fluid level drops too low, air bubbles can get trapped in the system, making it harder to stop your car safely. Therefore, if you haven’t checked your brake fluid level in a long time, it’s highly recommended that you do so. If the fluid level is lower than normal, it’s likely time for a brake repair service to replenish your vehicle with fresh fluid and get those brakes working properly again.
Brake Caliper Problems
Brake calipers are responsible for pressing the brake pads against the rotor to reduce speed and stop the rotation of a wheel. Brake caliper problems can have many causes ranging from a leak in the piston seal, allowing hydraulic fluid to escape and decreasing pressure on the pads, to embedding objects such as sand or gravel into the moving part causing resistance. If brake calipers become dysfunctional, it can lead to poor performance from car brakes and increased safety risks on the road.
Some signs that the brake caliper may be responsible for your car’s poor braking performance include a vibration or pulsating feeling when you try to stop the car and an increase in stopping distances. If any of these symptoms arise, it’s important to visit a certified brake repair shop to assess the situation and, if necessary, replace faulty parts with new ones.
Improperly Adjusted Brakes
If your brakes are not properly adjusted, their performance can significantly impact. Brakes not correctly adjusted can cause the calipers to apply too much pressure to the rotors, resulting in excessive wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to brake fade or failure because of the heat generated by friction between the pads and rotors. In addition, brakes that are not properly adjusted usually have to be pressed down a bit further than normal for them to work so that you will notice more travel in the brake pedal. If your brakes are not properly adjusted, it’s important to visit an auto shop as soon as possible and have them inspected by a brake repair professional technician.
Malfunctioning ABS System
Your car’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to help reduce skidding and improve vehicle control when braking. However, if this system malfunctions or fails for any reason, it can significantly impact braking performance as the brakes will not be able to respond quickly enough in emergencies. If your ABS warning light comes on when driving, it is recommended that you visit an auto shop for a brake repair assessment.
Excessive Heat
Excessive heat can also be to blame for poor car brake performance. Heat can be generated in the braking system due to too tight, worn, or dry brake rotors, brakes used heavily for an extended period, or any other mechanical issue. If the problem is caused by excessive heat and it’s not addressed quickly, it may lead to warped rotors or other components, which can damage your car’s brakes, causing them to become noisy or even lead to brake failure. If you notice signs of excessive heat, such as smoke or steam coming from your car’s brakes, it is best to immediately have them inspected and repaired by a certified brake repair technician.
Contact Us for Brake Service and Maintenance
If you’re having car brake problems, visit the auto professionals at Mr. Mechanic Auto Care. We are a certified auto care shop providing high-quality services that will get your vehicle back on the road safely and quickly. Visit us today to get your vehicle’s brakes checked and fix them if necessary so that you can drive confidently.
See our recent blog on this topic here.
