Posted on May 9, 2023

At Steinman Auto Service, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle in top condition, especially when it comes to the safety of you and your passengers. One of the most critical components of any vehicle's safety system is the brakes. Your brakes play a vital role in stopping your vehicle safely and quickly, so it's essential to ensure that they are in good working order at all times. Unfortunately, many drivers tend to neglect their brake maintenance, which can lead to serious safety issues down the road. In this post, we'll explain why brake repair should never be delayed and what you can do to keep your brakes in good condition.

How to Identify When Your Brakes Need Repair

It's crucial to be aware of the signs that your brakes may need repairs. Here are a few things to look out for:

Squeaking or Grinding Noises: If you hear any high-pitched squeaking or grinding noises when you apply your brakes, it's crucial to have your brake pads inspected as soon as possible. These noises usually indicate that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. Driving with worn brake pads can cause more severe damage to your brake system and put you and your passengers at risk.

Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, it's essential to have your brake system inspected by a professional mechanic. A soft or spongy brake pedal can indicate a problem with your brake fluid or air in your brake lines. Ignoring this issue can lead to brake failure and put you and others on the road in danger.

Vibration or Shaking: If you feel any vibration or shaking when you apply your brakes, this could be a sign that your brake rotors are warped and need to be replaced. Warped rotors can cause your vehicle to vibrate or shake when you apply your brakes, making it more difficult to stop your vehicle safely. This issue should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to your brake system.

Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it's essential to have your brake calipers or brake lines inspected. Pulling to one side can make it difficult to control your vehicle, especially in heavy traffic or emergency situations. Addressing this issue promptly can prevent more severe damage to your brake system and keep you and your passengers safe.

Warning Lights: If your brake warning light comes on, it's crucial to have your brake system inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. The warning light indicates that there's a problem with your brake system, and driving with a malfunctioning brake system is extremely dangerous. Ignoring this warning can lead to brake failure and put you and others on the road in danger.

If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to have your brakes inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

The Role of Brake Fluid in Brake Performance

Brake fluid is a critical component of your vehicle's braking system. It serves as the hydraulic medium that transfers force from the brake pedal to the brake components, such as the brake calipers and rotors. Without brake fluid, your brakes wouldn't work at all. However, over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture, which can lead to a host of problems.

One of the main reasons why brake fluid becomes contaminated is that it's hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This moisture can cause the brake fluid to break down and lose its effectiveness, reducing the performance of your brakes. Moisture can also lead to corrosion of the brake components and cause the brake fluid to boil at lower temperatures. When brake fluid boils, it can cause the brake pedal to feel spongy, reduce the effectiveness of the brakes, and even cause brake failure in extreme cases.

To prevent brake fluid contamination, it's crucial to have your brake fluid checked and replaced regularly. Your vehicle's manufacturer's recommendations will indicate when to have your brake fluid replaced. It's important to note that the replacement interval can vary depending on your driving conditions and the type of brake fluid in your vehicle.

A qualified mechanic can test your brake fluid to see if it needs to be replaced and can flush out the old fluid and replace it with fresh, clean fluid. They can also inspect the brake lines and other components for signs of wear and damage. By keeping your brake fluid clean and well-maintained, you can ensure that your brakes are working at their best and keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Conclusion

At Steinman Auto Service, we understand the importance of keeping your brakes in top condition. Brake repair should never be delayed because it can lead to serious safety issues on the road. If you notice any signs that your brakes need to be repaired, it's essential to have them inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Don't neglect your brake maintenance, as it can lead to costly repairs down the road and put you and your passengers at risk.

If you need brake repair or any other type of auto service, don't hesitate to reach out to Steinman Auto Service. We are a family-owned and operated business, and we take pride in delivering honest, reliable, and professional services to our customers in Machesney Park and the surrounding areas. Our ASE certified technicians use the latest technology and high-quality products to ensure that your vehicle is in top condition. We offer a wide range of brake services, including brake inspections, brake pad replacement, brake rotor replacement, and brake fluid replacement. We also offer a comprehensive range of other auto repair and maintenance services, including oil changes, engine repairs, electrical repairs, and much more.

If you have any questions or concerns about your brakes or any other aspect of your vehicle's performance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can call us at (815) 378-3296 or send us an email at [email protected]. We're always here to help you keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly. Thank you for considering Steinman Auto Service for all your auto repair and maintenance needs.