If your European automobile’s brake system isn’t acting as they normally do, it’s best to have them inspected right away. East Coast EuroWerks cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to drive with bad brakes. You don’t want to cause an accident or find yourself in a dangerous situation of another type. What is going on with your brake system? We can shed some limited light on potential brake problems and their signs.
Brake System Warning Light
Okay, this one we can’t shed any light on. Your brake dashboard warning light could come on for many reasons, including low brake fluid and impending brake system failure. If the light comes on, bring your vehicle in for a diagnostic check and brake inspection.
Noises
Your brakes will make certain noises that explain to you the problem. If they squeal at high speeds yet quiet down when you stop, your brake pads are getting low. If they grind, your brake pads are completely gone, you have dirt or rocks stuck in the calipers, or your drum brakes need lubrication.
Vibration or Wobbling
Should your brake pedal or steering wheel wobble or vibrate when you apply your brakes, you might have uneven rotor wear. You might also have rust on your rotors that cause the vibration. Finally, your calipers might not be released as they should be, which will cause odd wobbling.
Leaks
A crack in your master cylinder or holes or worn down brake lines will leak brake fluid. Brake fluid is easy to identify. It’s amber when new and turns dark brown as it ages. It’s very oily to the touch – quite slick. If you see this type of fluid on your garage floor, you have a brake fluid leak.
Soft Brake Pedal
The air in the brake lines will make your brake pedal feel spongy when you depress it. Moisture in the brake lines also causes this sensation, as does an issue with your brake master cylinder. Power brake pedals stop 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the floor. Manual brake pedals stop 3 inches from the floor.
Pulling
Finally, if your car, truck, SUV, or crossover pull to the left or right when you apply the brakes, the caliper or calipers on the side to which your vehicle pulls is bad or going bad. Basically, the caliper is applying more pressure than the others, and this is why your vehicle pulls to that side.
Located in Wilmington, NC, East Coast EuroWerks specializes in servicing and repairing European automobiles. Contact us to set up a brake inspection.
