Serving All Makes & Models Since 1947

651-228-1316

982 Grand Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105
Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm

 

One of the most important parts on your vehicle is your brake system. This is because the brakes are the part of the vehicle that allows you to stop safely. It is important to bring your vehicle in for regular inspections.

 

There are several signs you might notice if the brakes are starting to go out in your vehicle. The brakes may start to make odd noises or produce vibrations when the brake pedal is applied. If you notice anything out of the norm, make sure to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible. This way the issue can be looked at and repaired before it gets worse.

 

Noises

 

The brakes may produce a squeal or squeaking noise. This is caused from unwanted movement of the brake components, sometimes causing friction. Make sure to have the brakes properly inspected on a regular basis. We can also check for corrosion, worn parts, or damaged components. If there is grinding noises, there could be an issue with the brake pads and rotors.

 

Brakes

 

Excessive wearing can be caused from lack of maintenance, hard driving, or vehicle characteristics. Overloading the vehicle or making shorter trips can cause wear to the brake system. This can also lead to the brake pads wearing and failing sooner than they should.

 

Pulsations are another issue that can be obvious to you when driving. The brake pads and rotors may also need to be inspected. They should be checked for the thickness and how they are wearing. If the brake pads have been worn down completely, the will start to wear unevenly against the brake rotors.

 

Brake Dust

 

When applying the brakes, small amounts of material gradually scrape from the brake pads. This is known as brake dust. Brake dust will typically deposit on the braking system and the surrounding wheel. The proper friction material choice can affect the dusting. Different brake pad formulations create different amounts of dust. Some formulations such as metallic brake pads can create more dust than others. Ceramic brake pads can contain significantly less metal particles. This results in them producing less abrasion of surrounding metal parts. Brake dust can become more than just a nuisance visually. Brake dust can damage the finish of most wheels if it is not washed off. Removing the brake dust can also eliminate other problems in the long run as well.

 

Response Time

 

The stopping performance of your vehicle is crucial for the safety of you and those around you. If you notice the vehicle is slow to stop when you apply the brakes, it may be a sign they are going out. The response time is important because you need to rely on your brakes to ensure that the safety is the best it can be when you drive. Make sure to contact us if you notice an issue with your vehicle, and we can inspect it for you.