Brake Repairs in Chillicothe at Hometown Chillicothe

Signs You Need Brake Repair Service

There are a lot of signs that signify it’s time for some brake service. In short, when you push the brake pedal, and something unexpected happens, you’ve got brake problems. Below are some common signs that you’re having brake trouble and could use some brake service.

Spongy Brakes

If you get a spongy feeling when you push down on the brake pedal, it may not immediately feel like much, especially if there are no other signs of brake problems. However, this could mean that there are problems with the brake line that should be fixed in case they get worse.

Stopping Power

If you notice that your brakes aren’t stopping as fast as they used to, it’s pretty easy to determine that there might be some problems with your brakes. This could be due to various issues with your brakes, and it means it’s time to take your car to the auto repair shop.

Noises

If you notice strange noises when you push the brake pedal, it’s a telltale sign that it’s time to take your vehicle in for service. The most common sounds from faulty brakes are squeaking, squealing, and grinding.

Brake Light

If the brake light on your dash is on, your brake pads are probably getting thin. This light goes on when it notices the brake pads are worn, and it’s likely time for some new ones. Either way, take it into the shop to get it checked out when this light pops on.

Steering Wheel Shakes

If your steering wheel shakes while braking, there’s a solid chance that the surface of the rotor is warped. However, there could be other causes of this shaking. Whatever the reason, it’s time to bring it to the shop for brake services if the steering wheel shakes while braking.

Brake Service You May Need

One thing you can do if you notice any problems with your brakes is take your vehicle in for a brake inspection. Depending on the nature of the problem, the entire braking system will be examined to figure out exactly what’s going on. Below, we’ll dive into the many aspects that could be covered in a typical brake job. That includes inspection procedures, as well as when items are typically repaired or replaced.

Brake Pads

Brake pads are essential to the brakes. Brake pads apply pressure to the wheel's rotor, slowing the car. Over time, these pads wear down due to friction. This is partially due to the brake pad material. While this is different for different pads, it’s made of a material that sluffs off.

Moderately worn brake pads won’t stop your vehicle as fast or as well as new ones. Excessively worn brake pads cause a distinct grinding sound when braking. When you bring your vehicle in, your mechanic will check these first for signs of brake pad wear. It’s not too difficult of a job to install new brake pads, and replacement brake pads aren’t significantly expensive either. This means the cost of a brake pad replacement is reasonable.

Brake Fluid

Brakes use a system of hydraulic lines that require pressure to function properly. When there are any issues with these lines, hydraulic pressure can be lost, and the brake system can suffer. One telltale sign is spongy feeling brakes. This can be caused by leaks of brake fluid from the brake lines. The hydraulic brake fluid system is treated in a variety of ways.

It’s not uncommon for your mechanic to suggest a brake fluid exchange, where the old brake fluid is flushed out and replaced with new brake fluid. In addition, if it’s found that leaks were the primary problem, these can be repaired, and a coating can be applied on the brake lines to prevent future loss of brake fluid. Luckily, brake fluid is inexpensive, and the labor involved with a brake line flush isn’t generally intense. This means there’s no reason to stay away from the auto shop if you have problems due to the brake line or brake fluid.

Brake Rotors

If you’re in the market for brake repair, the rotors might be the problem. The brake rotors are the part that the brake pads clamp onto. Noises and vibration can both be signs that your rotors need work or you need new ones. It’s important to note, this is no brake pad replacement. The rotors are a more involved aspect of brake repair. One rotor alone costs a not-insignificant amount of money. Still, it’s a vital safety feature for your braking system and could save your life if replaced on time.

Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is part of the vehicle’s hydraulic system that converts the pressure you put on the brake pedal to the energy needed to ultimately stop the car. If you’re finding you need to expend a different amount of effort than usual to depress the brake pedal, or if it starts acting funny, this could mean that there are problems in this area. This is a little more expensive fix, depending on the problem with the master cylinder. Once again, brakes can save your life. There’s no sense in putting off essential brake service.

Calipers

The calipers hold onto the brake pads and move them into place to create the friction needed to stop the car. A common problem with calipers is a stuck caliper. This is when a caliper won’t let go after it has clamped down, and it continues to keep the car slow. While you won’t have to worry as much about a loss of stopping power with a stuck caliper in the short term, you will be losing lots of fuel economy in the process; it’s expensive to leave a stuck caliper the way it is. Caliper replacements aren’t cheap, but it’s undoubtedly cheaper than driving with a stuck caliper.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are different from disc brakes and are commonly found on the back wheels of cars but aren’t found on all of them. A brake shoe replacement is often needed with this type of brake system. Brake shoes push against the inside of a drum in the wheel and help to stop the car similarly to brake pads, except for a drum brake. Luckily, they’re not expensive to replace if your car has brake shoe problems.

What Can I Do To Prolong the Lifespan of My Brakes?

If you’re looking to have your brakes last as long as possible, the best thing you can do is to keep healthy brake fluid lines. This will ensure that expensive parts stay working as long as possible so that the right kind of pressure is applied. Brake fluid exchanges or bleeding can ensure that your brake line is healthy. It’s essential to do this about once every two years unless your trusted mechanic says you need it sooner.

Brake Service at Hometown Chillicothe

At Hometown Chillicothe, we’re ready to take care of anything related to the brake service you need. Your brake system is our responsibility. We’ll do this by first performing a thorough brake inspection before determining the brake services required to make it run smoothly for a long time. It’s not just one experienced technician running the show at Hometown Chillicothe; our entire award-winning service department is at your beck and call.