Do you know how many times you engage the brake pedal in a day? This number varies with each driver and the conditions, with in-town driving requiring more brake engagement than cruising at highway speeds. However, every driver should know how their brakes work, the signs of brake trouble, and who they can trust with their car’s stopping power. Fortunately, you’re tackling all three with your search for "brake service near me" because it brought you to us.

Brake Basics: How They Work

Think about how much your vehicle weighs and the force it takes to stop it. Although we use our feet to engage the accelerator and brake pedals, it takes a lot more behind the scenes to power and stop our cars, trucks, and SUVs. The force behind your foot isn’t powerful enough to stop your vehicle, which is where your car’s complex brake system plays a crucial role.

When you engage the brake pedal, the hydraulic system activates as the master cylinder sends pressurized brake fluid through the hoses to the calipers at each wheel. The pressure in the calipers causes the brake pads to squeeze the rotors, creating enough friction to slow the wheels. This process occurs every time the brake pedal is depressed, whether you’re braking to reduce your speed on a winding back road or stopping at a red light.

Five Signs of Brake Trouble

How do you know when it’s time for brake service? What’s the most obvious indicator that brake maintenance needs to be at the top of your to-do list? What other signs of brake trouble should you know as you navigate life in the driver’s seat?

#1 - Brake Warning Light

A brake light on your instrument cluster is the most obvious sign of brake trouble. Modern vehicles have integrated brake monitoring systems that alert you to issues with the brake system. Depending on your make and model, the brake light can indicate trouble with the brake pads, low brake fluid levels, or a malfunctioning parking brake. Whatever the case, you can turn to our team to diagnose and resolve the issue.

#2 - Leaking or Low Brake Fluid

How often do you check under the hood or the ground underneath your car? Modern diagnostic tools mean we don’t have to pop the hood to check the oil or fluid levels as frequently, but it’s still an essential skill to have. Why? Leaking or low brake fluid can significantly impact your car’s stopping power.

Checking the brake fluid is even easier than checking the oil level. The brake fluid reservoir is typically on the driver’s side near the master cylinder, with the precise location outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The reservoir is usually clear plastic and marked with minimum and maximum indicators, making it easy to check the level and determine if the fluid is lower or darker than it should be. The fluid level declines gradually from everyday wear and tear, but fluid can also decrease because of a leak caused by a damaged or cracked hose. In this instance, you might notice a pool of brake fluid under your car, meaning it’s time to have our technicians inspect and replace the lines.

#3 - Soft, Spongy Brakes

You should feel some resistance when you engage the brake pedal, meaning you have to apply some force to push the pedal. If the brake pedal easily goes to the floor, it’s called a soft or spongy brake pedal. This spongy brake pedal can point to two issues. First, there might be a problem with the master cylinder or the starting point of the brake system. Second, there might be moisture or air in the system. In either instance, a spongy or soft brake pedal means there’s not enough pressure to stop your vehicle effectively.

#4 - Steering Issues

Brake trouble can also appear as steering issues, such as wobbling, pulsing, vibrating, and pulling to one side. The key is to notice if any of these symptoms occur when you engage the brakes. A car that pulls to one side might need an alignment; however, if this only happens when braking, it can mean one side of the brake system isn’t working correctly. For example, if your car pulls right when braking, the brakes on the left side might not be working properly.

Other steering issues are easily recognized because you can feel them as you drive. You may notice your steering wheel vibrates or shakes when you apply the brakes. This wobbling or vibration is a telltale sign that the rotors are uneven or worn. The brake rotors are designed to make optimal contact with the brake pads. As they wear, they can become uneven, affecting the contact point between the rotor and the pad and causing the steering wheel to vibrate.

#5 - Strange Noises and Smells

Do you hear or smell something strange when you engage the brake pedal? The brakes should work quietly behind the scenes, so when you notice odd noises, it’s cause for concern. Many modern brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make brake maintenance easier for drivers. As the brake pads wear, the metal indicator comes into contact with the rotor, producing a squeaking or high-pitched squeal that alerts you it’s time for new brake pads.

Beyond the squeak and squeal, you may notice a burning smell when you apply the brakes. This burning smell typically indicates that the brakes are too hot. Just as overheating can be detrimental to the engine, it can also negatively impact your brake system. Because of this, it’s essential to stop your vehicle when you notice a burning smell and give the brake system time to cool before turning to our team to remedy the problem.

Getting the Most from Your Brakes: What You Can Do

The brakes on your vehicle are designed to endure harsh conditions and extensive wear and tear. However, they’ll eventually wear and need to be replaced. Some vehicles require more frequent brake service for various reasons, like frequently towing heavy loads where the demand on the brakes causes faster wear. But what if you don’t haul heavy loads?

Getting the most from your brakes starts with recognizing your driving style. Busy schedules and the demands of everyday life often mean we’re in a hurry to get from Point A to Point B. Because of this, we drive more aggressively, speeding up and hitting the brakes to accommodate traffic. While this may get us around town, it takes a toll on the brakes and leads to premature wear.

You can extend the life of your brakes by recognizing those instances of hard braking. By being more mindful of traffic and planning ahead, you can gradually accelerate and brake without stomping on the brake pedal. Likewise, you can avoid what’s known as “riding the brakes” or constantly engaging the brake pedal to control your speed.

Brake Maintenance: Why It Matters

As your vehicle’s only stopping power, the brakes are crucial to your safety in the driver’s seat. Over time, the brake components wear, making routine brake service essential. Those routine services may stem from a noticeable leak, a spongy brake pedal, or vibrations in the steering wheel. Alternatively, the brake system may be fine, with a multi-point inspection confirming as much. Whatever the issue, it’s important to recognize the signs of brake trouble and have a team like ours that you can trust to diagnose and handle the repairs.