You never want to ignore the signs of brake problems in your European automobile. Your brake system is the most important safety system on the vehicle. Brakes should be inspected every 12,000 miles, and we can do that here at Kinetech Motor Werkes. The following are signs that your brake system is in trouble and it needs to be serviced or repaired.
ABS/Brake Light
There are two lights on your dashboard that are related to the brake system. These lights are the ABS and Brake lights. If either of them comes on other than when you first start your automobile or when you have your parking brake set, you have a problem with the brake system.
Burning Smells
Burning smells coming from the brakes indicate that the brakes are overheating. Overheated brakes will eventually fail, so it’s important that you stop driving your automobile if the brakes are too hot. Pull over and call for a tow to our shop.
Leaking Fluid
Leaking brake fluid can also make it more difficult to stop your automobile. Brake fluid generally leaks behind your wheels on the inside. Brake fluid is either red or brown, but most commonly, it is light brown to dark brown depending on its age.
Side-Pulling
If your vehicle pulls to the side when you apply the brakes, you may have a rock stuck in one of the calipers or there may be another problem with the caliper. The rotor on that wheel could also be warped or misshapen.
Squishy Pedal
If your brake pedal isn’t giving you the resistance it used to give you, this is a sign that you have a problem with the brake system. A soft or squishy brake pedal can indicate that your master cylinder is going out. This is also a sign that you have air in the brake lines.
Strange Noises
Strange noises such as grinding or squealing when you slow down and stop point to the brake system. Grinding or scraping noises are an indication that your brake pad surfaces have worn down completely. Squealing can be an indication that the brakes are overheating.
Wobbling/Vibration
Finally, wobbling or vibration when you slow down and stop is usually a sign that your rotors are warped and they need to be resurfaced. This service is recommended every 60,000 miles.
Call Kinetech Motor Werkes in Indian Trail, NC, today if you are experiencing problems with your European automobile’s brake system. We’d be happy to inspect the brakes to find out what’s wrong and then fix the problem.
