Brakes
Brakes are the most critical safety feature of a vehicle. They let you stop your vehicle at the right time and manner.
Checking the brakes can be difficult as they are hidden behind the tires. You might think you have to rely on your mechanic to know when your brakes are going bad.
That’s not true: You can check the signs yourself. But the auto techs at Rowes Garage can help you check the brakes whenever you visit for an oil change.
Signs You Need New Brakes
It’s pretty too late when the dashboard’s low brake light or brake system indicator is on. You need to know the condition of your brakes before this point.
As the brake pads wear down, they score the rotors. If the rotors are scored too much, the auto tech can’t turn them—you’ll have to buy new rotors. The brake calipers could overextend, and the brake lines could collapse.
Bringing your vehicle for brake service and repair sooner than later will save you lots of money. You should do so if you encounter the following:
- You hear grinding and rubbing noises when you step on the brakes.
- You hear grinding and rubbing noises when you lift your foot off the brake pedal.
- The brake pedal feels “spongy.”
- The brake pedal goes over halfway to the floor when pressed.
- You have to lift the emergency brake handle more than halfway.
- It takes a longer time to stop.
- The vehicle pulls to one side when you press the brake pedal, especially if you have to come to a quick stop.
- The brake lines or calipers are leaking. You’ll see a puddle on the ground close to the tire’s interior.
- The fluid in the brake master cylinder is low.
Contact Rowes Garage for brake service and repair in Corinth, ME or Boothbay, ME, if you notice any of these signs.
What to Look for During Brake Inspections
If you track the mileage, you will know when to start looking for brake issues. It depends on your driving, but brake pads generally last between 40,000 and 50,000 miles.
Start checking at 35,000 miles. Check them earlier if you use them a lot. You can also have the auto techs at Rowes Garage do it for you.
- Checking brake pad wear
- Checking for hot spots and cracks on brake rotors (A hot spot will show up as a discoloration)
- Measuring the thickness of the rotors
- Measuring the rotors for run-out
- Inspecting calipers for leaks, corrosion, and wear
- Checking the wheel speed sensors
- Checking brake fluid
- Checking for brake fluid leaks
- Inspecting brake hoses and lines
- Checking the emergency brake
- Checking the brake pedal for proper operation
If you suspect you need brake service and repair, contact Rowes Garage in Corinth, ME or Boothbay, ME.