Brake Repair in Exeter
Your ability to stop your car reliably can be the difference between a safe ride and serious injury. When problems arise with your brakes, Jim Krueger Automotive Repair’s brake repair solutions are Exeter’s answer to fixing squeaky, grinding, spongy, and ineffective braking systems.
Connect with us by dialing (610) 779-9733 and learn more about the steps we’ll take to repair your brakes while saving you time and money.
How Often Should Car Brakes Be Inspected?
We recommend that you have your car brakes inspected every six months or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. This ensures that any potential issues can be addressed before they become major problems. However, there are certain signs to look out for that may indicate the need for a brake inspection sooner.
Some common signs that your brakes may need to be checked include:
- Squealing or grinding noises during braking
- Vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal
- Longer stopping distances
- A soft or spongy brake pedal
WHY ARE YOUR BRAKES SPONGEY?
Have you noticed an increase in your stopping distances? This is when it takes your vehicle longer than usual to come to a complete stop. Your brakes may feel spongey and ineffective when you press down on them for several reasons.
The most likely cause is air trapped in your brake lines. Air in this hydraulic system can compress easily, resulting in a mushy feeling when you press your foot down on the pedal. Low brake fluid, worn brake pads, and damaged calipers are other braking performance issues that can lead to the feeling of soft, spongy brakes.
WHAT CAUSES SQUEAKY BRAKES?
Imagine pressing down on your brake pedal, and instead of a smooth deceleration, you're met with an unpleasant squealing noise. This embarrassing screech can happen every time you slow down, making even routine errands noisy.
Squeaky brakes are often caused by worn-out brake pads, the components that prevent mechanical components from making direct contact when braking. This scraping can also be caused by debris stuck on the pads or rotors or a lack of lubrication in certain system parts.
While the noise might not initially be a safety hazard, it's a signal from your car that it's time for a checkup to ensure your brakes are performing optimally and keeping you safe on the road.
WHY ARE YOUR BRAKES GRINDING?
Has the reassuring firmness you expect when pressing your brake pedal been replaced with a horrifying sensation? A loud, metallic grinding erupting from your wheels, escalating in intensity the more you press, can cause concern. This is the unnerving experience of grinding brakes.
Unlike the warning squeal of worn pads, grinding signifies a critical issue. The cause is usually metal-on-metal contact. Worn-out brake pads expose their metal backing, which grinds against your rotors. This can also happen when foreign objects become lodged between your brake pads and rotors.
What Does a Brake Inspection Include?
During a brake inspection, our technicians will thoroughly examine all components of your braking system. This includes checking the brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, and fluid levels. Our goal is to identify signs of wear and tear or potential issues that may compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle.
What Wears Out First, Brake Pads or Rotors?
Brake pads and rotors are both essential components of your vehicle’s braking system, and they work together to effectively slow down and stop your car. However, they also have different lifespans and wear out at different rates.
Generally, brake pads tend to wear out faster than rotors. This is because the pads constantly make contact with your rotors every time you apply the brakes, creating friction and eventually wearing them down. Rotors, on the other hand, are made from durable materials such as steel and can last longer before needing to be replaced.
BOOK BRAKE SERVICES TODAY
Book your brake services with Jim Krueger Automotive Repair to solve problems and prevent safety issues while driving your car in Exeter. Call (610) 779-9733 to discuss affordable solutions with one of our licensed brake service specialists.