If you counted the number of times you use your brakes while you are driving, you’d be surprised at the total. You don’t think about using your brakes because it’s automatic. You step on the brake pedal when you need to slow down. The problem with this muscle memory is that brake problem signs can go unnoticed, which is why we here at European Fix recommend you pay attention to the following symptoms of brake trouble.
Warning Light
If any of your brake warning lights come on, whether the ABS, brake, or low pad indicator light, you’ve got a brake problem. The only time the brake light should come on is when you set the parking brake. It will turn off once you release the brake. Otherwise, this is a sign of brake trouble.
Strange Sounds
Grinding, scraping, or squealing sounds might be accompanied by the low pad indicator light on your dashboard. If your brakes grind when you apply them, you don’t have any brake pad surface left. The brakes will squeal when the brake pads are low, when they are wet, or when they are overheating.
Wobbling
Your European automobile will not wobble as much as the brake pedal or steering wheel will when you apply the brakes. This can be caused by low brake pads, uneven rotor surfaces, or a problem with the calipers. Wobbling can also be caused by incorrect air pressure in the tires.
Fluid Leaks
Brake fluid will leak around your wheels, and it is light brown to dark brown. If the brake fluid is dark brown, it is old and needs to be replaced. In some cases, the brake fluid may also be red. You can check the color of your brake fluid by looking at the reservoir in your engine.
Brake Pedal Trouble
Power brake pedals stop 1 1/2 inches from the floor. Manual brake pedals stop 2 1/2 inches from the floor. If your brake pedal sinks past this point, or if it feels soft or squishy, you may have air in the brake lines or your master cylinder could be going bad.
Pulling
A stuck caliper will make your vehicle pull to one side when you apply the brakes. The direction in which the vehicle pulls clues you into which caliper is stuck. Things that can create problems with the calipers include road debris that can get wedged in the brake system part.
Burning Smells
Finally, if you smell burning rubber or chemicals, or something that smells like burning material such as carpet, your brakes are overheating and you need to stop driving your European automobile. Overheated brakes will fail once they reach a certain temperature.
European Fix in Clinton Township, MI, can inspect the brake system on your European automobile and fix any problems we find so you can rely on your brakes every time you use them.