Brake Repair and Service
Times Change. Good Service Doesn’t Have To!
Brake failure in a vehicle can lead to catastrophic accidents. Given that brakes need repairs and naturally wear out due to the friction and heat generated every time you slow down, it’s crucial to have them checked regularly. At Yellow City Car Care in Amarillo, TX, we prioritize your safety by inspecting your tires and providing expert brake repair services every time your vehicle is in for service.
Signs of Brake Problems
You can usually tell when your brakes need repair or service. The earlier you identify and address brake repair issues and problems, the less you’ll have to spend on repairs. Worn brake pads, for instance, can erode the rotors to the point where they must be replaced. Low brake pads can also lead to overextended calipers.
By paying attention to the signs of brake problems, you can often catch issues before they escalate. Signs to watch for include:
Squeaking and Squealing
When you hear a squeal or squeak when stepping on the brakes, you hear a metal tab on the brake pad’s backing plate scraping against the rotor. Pads are made purposely with the tab to notify you it’s time to change the brake pads. If you let it go long at all, the tab digs into the rotor, and the tech won’t be able to turn it –you’ll have to buy new rotors.
Grinding
If you hear a grinding noise, that is the backing plate rubbing against the rotors. Your stopping distance has significantly decreased, and the rotors are trashed. You must replace them. At this point, you risk overextending the calipers.
Vibration / Pulsation
In many cases, when you feel a vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal, the rotors may be warped.
Soft / Spongy Brake Pedal
If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or it goes nearly all the way to the floor, you most likely have a brake fluid leak. You could also have air in the brake lines.
Warning Lights
Your vehicle most likely has two brake warning lights: The regular brake warning light and the ABS light. If either light comes on, have your vehicle checked immediately, even if your brakes seem to feel normal.
Brake Repair and System Maintenance
It is crucial to regularly maintain your brake system and have the brakes checked frequently. The primary maintenance task for brakes, as part of our comprehensive brake repair service, is flushing the brake fluid. Brake fluid can absorb moisture, leading to diminished braking performance and potential rusting of the metal brake lines if not addressed. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, as well as your driving habits, you should have the brake fluid flushed every 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
In addition, your auto repair technician, specializing in brake repair, should inspect the brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake hoses, and brake lines each time you bring your vehicle in for an oil change
Common Brake Problems
The most common brake issue is worn brake pads. If caught early enough, these can be replaced before causing damage to the rotors. Generally, rotors can be replaced every other time you change the brake pads, as long as the backing plate or its tab has not scored the rotors.
During the first brake pad replacement, if enough material remains on the rotor, the technician can usually resurface it. However, the next time you’ll need to replace the rotors. Resurfacing the rotors provides a smooth surface for the new brake pads, preventing accelerated wear from existing grooves in the rotor.
After the pads and rotors, the calipers are typically the next component to wear out quickly in the brake system. If a caliper becomes stuck in the closed position, the brake pads won’t retract and will continuously rub against the rotors, causing a burning smell. In this case, do not drive the vehicle; instead, have it towed to Yellow City Car Care in Amarillo, TX. The heat generated by the friction between the pad and the rotor could potentially cause a fire.
The master cylinder holds the brake fluid and contains a moving piston that forces the fluid into the brake lines when the brake pedal is pressed. If the master cylinder leaks, it will need to be replaced. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can also fail.
Contact Yellow City Car Care
When you need a trusted auto repair technician certified in brake repair and service, contact Yellow City Car Care at (806) 418-6021 to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at 7820 SW 77th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79119.