How to Tell When Your GMC, Buick, or Chevy Needs a Brake Repair

Brakes can prevent or cause accidents depending on their condition. Well-maintained brakes give you a fast response that can prevent that fender bender. Worn brakes won’t allow you to stop in time. To keep you safe on the road, it’s important to visit your Chevy dealer if you have any problems with your brakes. These are a few signs that you might need a brake repair.

Signs You Need a Brake Repair at Your Chevy Dealer

Pulling to One Side

When you hit the brake pedal, all four wheels should brake simultaneously. If you’re experiencing the scary sensation of your car pulling to one side, you have a brake problem. This issue is caused by one of the brake calipers failing to clamp on its wheel rotor and stop it from moving. When this happens, your car will automatically pull towards the side with a working brake caliper.

A caliper failure could be due to a blockage in the brake hose leading to it, or the caliper could be damaged. A blockage in the hose prevents the brake fluid from generating enough pressure to force the caliper to close. If the affected caliper is rusted or jammed, it won’t activate, and the rotor will continue to turn. We’ll investigate the problem and repair it.

Leaking Brake Fluid

Many leaks are easy to spot and identify; for example, pink or green liquid is coolant, and bright red fluid means a transmission leak. Unfortunately, brake fluid isn’t as easy to notice. This type of fluid has a slight yellow tinge and looks like cooking oil, making it easy to miss. You’ll usually only notice a fluid leak when it causes problems with the brakes.

The braking system operates under high pressure to work effectively, and a leak causes this pressure to drop. Low pressure and lack of fluid will delay brake response and prevent them from working if all the fluid has gone. If you step on the brakes and the pedal feels soft, it’s time to visit us right away. We’ll trace the leak and repair it. Once that’s done, we’ll refill the fluid.

Screeching Noises

Screeching brakes are caused by worn brake pads. The pads fit inside the brake calipers, and they generate friction against the rotors, which brings the rotors to a stop. The pads have a special rough covering for generating friction, but this cover slowly wears down as it works.

After 30,000 to 50,000 miles, your pads will need replacement. The screeching is a warning you’ll hear when the pads reach 1/4″ thickness.

Damaged brakes are dangerous. Call us today at Stan King GM Superstore so we can fix them.

Tags: brake repair, chevy dealer
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