The brake pads are a car part typically associated with the need for brake repair. In addition, brake calipers, brake rotors, brake hardware, brake fluid, the brake master cylinder, and other related brake parts might also be associated with brake service, albeit less frequently.
Car brakes are one of the most critical safety components of a vehicle. Properly functioning brakes allow drivers to slow down and stop their vehicles when needed. Therefore, good-working brakes prevent accidents and protect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. However, failing brakes can make the driver lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision, injury, or even fatality. So, regular brake repair service and maintenance, inspections, and repairs are necessary to ensure the brakes work as expected, preventing further damage to related parts. Ultimately, safe driving depends on well-maintained brakes, awareness of problematic symptoms, and prompt assessment of any odd braking behavior.
Chevrolet
GMC
Toyota
Ford
Dodge
Chevrolet
Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado 1500 1/2 Ton, Suburban HD
Brake Linings, Brake Rotor, Brake Calipers, Wheel Bearing & Hub Assembly
Frequently asked questions about Brake Repair
A lit brake warning light can mean many things. First, check the underhood to see if the brake fluid reservoir is low; if so, you need to find out why. Additionally, if your car hasn't endured rain recently, check the back of its wheels and backing plates for any fluid. Also, keep an eye out for symptoms like a lower brake pedal or a brake pedal that sinks quickly under pressure.
If someone points out that your brake pads are worn, note that. First, you can check your car's brake condition by opening the hood and looking at the brake fluid level; if it's low, you need to find out why. Also, if your vehicle's brakes feel weaker, its stopping distance should be noticeably longer. Notice these symptoms and consider taking your car to an auto shop.
If your car pulls to one side after you apply the brakes, get it to an auto shop quickly. This symptom is severe and might also follow up with a smell of burning coming from the wheels. Sometimes, a wheel might skid or slide when running on wet, gravel, or loose surfaces.
A sensor in the brake pedal captures motion, informing the computer whenever the driver presses the brakes. This sensor also reads movement intensity, differentiating sudden emergency stops from regular ones. Additionally, this system comprises a backup sensor that compares readings with the original one, ensuring that they agree.
So, if a sensor fails, the backup takes over, preventing the brakes from dying. However, if both fail, your brakes might lock up. Plus, if the backup sensor doesn't agree with the original, a slight braking pressure might incorrectly be read as an emergency stop, locking up the brakes.
If you notice brake locking, red brake warnings, less-sensitive brake pedals, and check engine light on the dashboard, share these symptoms with the auto shop. These are critical indicators that they need to know.
Sometimes, a car can have partially-applied drum brakes and a sticking caliper. As a result, the car lightly brakes even if you're not pressing the brake pedal.
The ABS module is the car's computer that controls the anti-lock braking system. It gets power when the driver turns on the ignition; it also gets info from sensors around the vehicle to know if a wheel is about to lock up or lose traction.
If this module detects a wheel close to locking or losing traction, it activates the anti-lock brakes. Note that this process happens much faster than you could react. It's like a light-fast driver assistant, helping the car maintain control of urgent brakes.
If you notice brakes locking up, an inoperative speedometer, steering wheel buttons failure, and an airbag light on the dashboard share these symptoms with the auto shop.