Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most important safety systems. Most brake problems do not appear without warning. Your vehicle may make unusual noises, feel different when stopping, or display a warning light. Knowing the signs you need your brakes repaired can help you catch a problem early and avoid more serious or expensive damage.
At All About Automotive, we help drivers in Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Corbett identify brake problems and make informed decisions about the repairs their vehicles need.
Squeaking or Squealing When You Apply the Brakes
A high-pitched squeak or squeal is one of the most common brake complaints.
Sometimes brake noise can be caused by moisture, dust, or the type of brake pads installed. However, squealing can also be a sign that your brake pads are becoming worn or that another part of the braking system needs attention.
If the noise continues or becomes more frequent, it is a good idea to schedule a brake inspection.
Vibration or Pulsation When Braking
If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal, steering wheel, or vehicle when applying the brakes, something may not be working properly.
Brake pulsation can be related to problems with the brake rotors or other components. A technician needs to inspect and measure the braking system to determine the actual cause.
Not every vibration means you automatically need new rotors. A proper inspection can help determine what repairs are necessary.
Your Vehicle Takes Longer to Stop
If your vehicle does not seem to stop as quickly as it once did, do not ignore the problem.
Longer stopping distances can be caused by several issues, including worn brake components or problems within the hydraulic braking system. Changes in braking performance should be inspected as soon as possible.
Your Vehicle Pulls When Braking
Does your vehicle pull to one side when you apply the brakes?
Pulling can be caused by a brake caliper or another braking component that is not operating correctly. It may also be related to other vehicle systems.
Because pulling can affect how your vehicle handles and stops, it should be professionally inspected.
A Spongy Brake Pedal or Other Changes in Pedal Feel
Your brake pedal should feel consistent during normal operation.
If the pedal suddenly feels soft or spongy, travels farther toward the floor than normal, or feels noticeably different, have the vehicle inspected.
A change in pedal feel can be caused by air in the braking system, low brake fluid, a leak, or another hydraulic problem.
Your Brake or ABS Warning Light Comes On
A brake warning light or ABS warning light should never be ignored.
These warning lights can indicate different problems, from low brake fluid to a fault within the anti-lock braking system. Your vehicle should be inspected to determine why the light came on.
What Should You Do If You Notice Brake Problems?
If you notice a change in how your vehicle stops, don’t guess at which parts need to be replaced.
Schedule a professional brake inspection. A technician can test drive the vehicle when appropriate, inspect the brake pads, rotors, calipers, fluid, and other components, and determine what is causing the problem.
Getting the right diagnosis can help you avoid wasting money on parts your vehicle does not need.
Schedule a Brake Inspection Today
Brake problems can become worse when ignored. If your brakes are making noise, vibrating, pulling, taking longer to stop, or simply feeling different, have them checked. The team at All About Automotive proudly serves drivers throughout Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and Corbett with professional brake inspections and repairs. Schedule your brake inspection today and get the information you need to make the right decision for your vehicle.
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