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7 Signs You Need Your Brakes Checked

signs you need your brakes fixed

Follow these tips to make sure your car brakes are working properly, especially when you need them!

Everyone knows how important it is to get your oil changed, but this is only one of the important maintenance tasks you need to perform regularly to keep your car running and on the road.  Another important maintenance task that is not necessarily as well known is getting the brakes checked.

Your brakes are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on your car and it is critical that you keep them in good condition so that they can perform when you need them to.  But most of us don’t speak the same language as our brakes.  This means we can’t tell when they are trying to let us know that something is wrong.

Here are 7 signs that something may be wrong with your brakes.

  1. You press the brake pedal, nothing happens

If you press down on the brake pedal and the car doesn’t slow down or stop, this is a sure sign that there is something wrong with the brakes.  Use your transmission to downshift and slow the engine and try not to hit anything.  Then, read the rest of these signs so that you will know what to look for next time so you don’t let it go until your brakes stop working all together.

  1. Illuminated Brake Light or Indicator

You may not even realize that you have a brake light in your dash, but most modern cars have a light whose sole purpose is to indicate that there is a brake problem.  This light can indicate that your brakes are worn down, that the anti-lock brake system isn’t functioning, or that you have the emergency brake on.

  1. Stuttering

If you feel the car stutter when you press the brakes, even if it seems to be stopping normally, you need to get the brakes checked.  This can indicate that the brakes are worn down and is a precursor to brake failure.

  1. Change in Pedal Pressure

If you realize that you have to press the pedal down much harder than you used to in order to engage the brakes, you need to have them checked.  The same holds true if the opposite happens, and the pedal is hard to depress.

  1. Screeching And Squealing

Another sure sign that there is a problem with the brakes is hearing tell-tale screeching noise whenever you hit the brakes.  This indicates the pads have worn down and that you need to get them checked and replaced before other brake components are damaged.

  1. Black Dust

Finally, if you notice black dust on you rims, it can signify a problem.  This dust which is also called brake dust is a sign that the brakes are worn down and need replacing.

  1. Time

If you are lucky and you haven’t had any issue with your brakes that required them to be checked for the last 12 months, it is a good idea to take it in and have a tech check them out.

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How to Properly Maintain Your Brakes

How to properly maintain your brakes

The brake system in your car needs to be in 100% working condition at all times.

Why? Because the last thing you want to face when driving downhill or navigating tight turns is any kind of brake trouble. 

Most car owners tend to take their car brake systems for granted. They ignore the number one rule when it comes to maintaining the health of your car’s brake system – routine maintenance.

Routine maintenance is essential if you want to keep the brakes working properly and avoid any big repair and replacement costs in the long run.

Maintenance Aspects of your Car’s Brake System

  • Clean fluid is critical for ensuring the proper functioning of your car’s brake system. Regardless of the miles you have driven, it is important to have the brake fluid flushed every two years.
  • The reason? The brake fluid is responsible for absorbing moisture and contaminants (metal parts/shavings, dust) which tend to build-up over time – both of these can have a big impact on the overall performance of your car.
  • Changing the brake fluid not only helps in getting rid of contamination but it also helps in extending the life of other crucial components of the brake system such as the brake lines, the hydraulic parts, as well as the anti-lock brake modules.
  • Routine brake maintenance can involve the replacement of brake pads, discs, brake drums, and rotors, if these parts show considerable wear and tear.

When Should I Get a Full Brake System Check-up for My Car?

Instead of having your brakes checked up based on mileage, it is better to take your car in for a brake system check-up based on a car’s performance.

Keep in mind that driving conditions, weather, roads, age of the car, and your driving habits can all have varying effects on the brake system.

For this reason, Virginia Auto Service recommends routine brake system check-ups. You can ask your car mechanic to give your brake system a check-up either at regular oil changes or every 10K miles.

There are, however, a few instances or circumstances when brake system check-up should be higher up on your priority list. Consider the following circumstances:

Screeching, Grinding, or Squealing Noises

If you hear any of these noises it could be indicative of worn brake pads & shoes. We recommend having these replaced every 20,000 – 60,000 miles.

Brake Pedal Response

  • If you find that you need to press down harder and longer on the brake pedal to get your car to stop, then it is probably because of extensive brake pad wear and tear.
  • This could also be the result of too much air entering the brake valves due to a brake fluid leak.

Steering Wheel or Brake Pedal Vibrations

If you can feel a jarring or vibrations on the steering of the brake pedal, then it could be because the rotors are struggling under the pressure of “metal on metal” rubbing. This is a warning from your brake system so take it seriously. 

Burning or Noxious Smell

  • If you get a burning or pungent smell from your tires, get to your mechanic as quickly as you can – it could be because the brakes are overheating or there is problem with the clutch.
  • If you notice smoke coming from one of your car wheels, it could be because the brake caliper is stuck.
  • It is not natural or normal for your car to generate unfamiliar and pungent smells and only a professional mechanic will be able to identify the exact cause. 

Don’t Ignore Your Brake Warning Lights

If you notice the brake warning lights coming on, visit Virginia Auto so you can get this addressed. You don’t want to put yourself, passersby, or other cars on the road at risk!

Car Pulls to One Side When Braking

This usually happens when your brake hose is damaged or there is a caliper issue – one of the calipers might be administering more pressure than the other, causing the car to veer to one side.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

If you are facing any of the above-mentioned problems with your car brake system, visit us at Virginia Auto Service for a fast diagnosis and resolution of the problem. You can also reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

Why You Should Not Ignore Squeaky Brakes

Most of us are familiar with the sounds associated with starting and running a car. A car that is in perfect condition runs smoothly and silently.

The very first indications that something might be wrong is when you hear unnatural sounds either when you start the engine or when you are driving your car. One kind of sound which is a clear indication that all is not well with your car is the sound of your car brakes squeaking.

Any noise which is not naturally associated with the running of a vehicle can get very annoying and be a serious warning sign. However, the real danger comes from the potential risks it can pose if the source of the sound is not checked and corrected. Brakes that squeak is something that you need to take very seriously. This is not an issue that you should ignore.

It is not an issue that will just go away by itself.

What Causes Squeaky Brakes?

While it is crucial to note that all brakes will squeak at some point due to natural wear and tear or if they heat up or are under duress, these types of instances are episodic. The number one reason, however, for squeaky brakes are worn out brake pads.

But as mentioned earlier, if the squeaking continues even after the engine has warmed up, if the squeaking becomes consistent, or if the squeaking sounds are replaced by a loud grinding noise, then it is time to visit a mechanic. The grinding noise could be due to extensive wear and tear of the brake pads.

You want to stop driving your car and get your car to a mechanic well before there is any grinding noise. When you hear your brakes squeak repeatedly you need to have your brake pads checked and replaced.

Worn Out Brake Pads

Brakes come in two types, drum brakes and disc brakes. The brake pads in a disc brake squeeze the rotor and the resulting force is then passed on hydraulically through the brake line. The disc slows down due to the friction created between the disc and the brake pads.

Disc brake pads have a metallic component which is called the wear indicator. When the brake pad material starts to wear away, this metallic component comes into contact with the rotor. This causes the squeaky sound.

A simple replacement of the brake pads can address the issue appropriately. If the wear of the brake pad is more extensive, you might begin to hear a grinding sound instead of the initial squeaky sound.

What you need to note when replacing the brake pads is that the rotors should be resurfaced to prevent the squeaking sound from reoccurring.

In a drum brake, friction caused by shoes or a set of pads which squeeze against the rotating drum is what brings the car to a stop.

In the case of drum brakes, any squeaking noises or sounds produced are due to insufficient or poor contact either between the brake shoes or the drum and brake shoes. If your car has drum brakes and the squeaky sounds are consistent, it is best to have it checked up as quickly as possible for the required repair or replacement work.

When Squeaky Brakes are Normal

Squeaky brakes are not just limited to worn out brake pads; there can be other reasons for the condition. Your car brakes can squeak if you are driving through high-altitude areas with steep descents. High performance brake pads that are carbon-metallic tend to create a squeaking noise.

Also, if it is raining or the pavement is wet, this could cause a brake squeaking sound. But this should not be constant.

Here’s how you can gauge if the squeaky sounds are normal or if you need to have your car checked up immediately.

  • Consider the age of your car. The wear and tear in older cars is normal, especially if you are not consistent with regular servicing.
  • Brakes in new cars can also produce squeaky sounds. This is primarily due to the fact that the metallic brake pads are harder. So high-pitched sounds are not uncommon.
  • The driving conditions, or the environment (as already insinuated) can also cause the brakes to produce squeaky sounds. For example, in areas that are naturally dusty or sandy, or even areas with high humidity squeaking sounds from the brakes are not abnormal.

We know cars! We know brakes!

Your car brakes are crucial to your safety and the safety of your family. If you are unsure about what is causing your car brakes to squeal, it might be better to consult with a professional. Virginia Auto Service professionals can quickly and easily help you determine what is causing the squeaking and how to effectively address the issue.

Don’t wait until it is too late!

What Causes the Brake Warning Light to Come On?

There are many drivers that are in the habit of ignoring their dashboard warning lights when they appear. For the safety and longevity of your vehicle, this is never a good idea.

The brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. When the brake warning light appears, you need to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. The light often implies that the brakes are becoming worn and will need to be replaced soon. However, in some cases, it is possible that your vehicle’s brake system is leaking brake fluid, which is an urgent problem that needs attention right away.

In modern vehicle’s there are usually three different brake warning lights. One light is for the parking brake and it is usually red or yellow in color. Another brake light is for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and it is usually yellow in color. And, finally, there is one for the actual brakes. This one is red in color and if it comes on it could indicate that there is a serious problem.  If your vehicle only has one brake light, take time to check the parking brake before you panic and attempt to diagnose other possible problems.

These are some of the reasons why your brake lights may turn on, and what you should do about it:

Low brake fluid/Worn brake pads

Often, the brake warning light is telling you that your vehicle is low on brake fluid, which is a result of worn brake pads. Carl Roberson, owner of the highly rated Carl’s Cool Cars, a service center in Las Vegas, explains the situation well, “As the pad wears, the brake caliper piston extends further to keep the pad in contact with the rotor. The brake fluid fills this extra area inside the caliper as the piston advances, and eventually the level in the master cylinder drops.” For this reason, when the brake fluid is low, most mechanics will not only recommend filling the brake fluid but suggest the brake pads be replaced as well.

Brakes leaking

The brake warning light will sometimes come on because of leaking brakes. Without brake fluid, your brakes will not be capable of stopping the car. For this reason, it is very important to have your vehicle inspected when the light illuminates on your dashboard. You don’t want to be a danger to yourself, your passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians.

Faulty speed sensor

There is a device inside of your wheel that determines the speed at which your tires are rotating and sends its readings to the ABS control module. This device is known as the speed sensor, and it is a part of the ABS. If it isn’t working properly the ABS light will come on and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will not function properly. When the light comes on it could indicate that either the speed sensor needs replaced, or simply that it needs to be cleaned- which our professional mechanics can easily do.

The automotive professionals at Virginia Auto Service, are pleased to help you with your auto repair and service needs. If your brake warning light comes on schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

How to Stop Safely When Your Brakes Fail

Do you know what to do if your brakes fail while driving? The difference could mean life or death.

The best thing you can do to prevent brake failure from happening to your vehicle is to perform regular maintenance per the intervals described in your owner’s manual.

Should a situation arise where you are driving a vehicle in which the brakes have failed, here are seven tips, provided by Allstate, to help you stop as safely as possible:

  1. Don’t Panic

This may be easier said than done, but keeping a clear head will be in your best interest when things go awry behind the wheel. Remain calm and proceed with the below tips and attempt to get your car off the road safely.

  1. Try the Brakes Again

Your vehicle most likely has a dual braking system, unless you are driving a classic car. Dual braking systems control your front and rear brakes independently, so both halves of the system would have to fail for you to lose all braking power. Unless you’re behind the wheel of a classic car, your vehicle likely has a dual braking system, which controls your front and rear brakes independently. As a result, both halves of the system would have to fail for your car to totally lose all braking power. Nonetheless, your car’s braking ability being reduced by half can be enough to make it feel unsafe, however, you may still have some stopping power. Try applying strong, consistent pressure to the brake pedal to see if you can slow the car down.

  1. Take Steps to Slow Down

According to Tech-Cor Research, if your main braking system isn’t working, one option is to very carefully employ the emergency brake. The emergency brake is separate from the main, hydraulic brake system, so it can help stop the vehicle when they fail. However, it will take the car longer to slow to a stop this way than it would with your traditional brake pedal.

Autoblog suggests keeping your foot off the accelerator and downshifting so that the engine can help slow the car down as another way to slow your car and help you stop. For manual transmissions, work your way down through the gears to slow the car down. For automatic transmissions, taking your foot off the accelerator will cause your car to shift to lower gears as it slows down. For newer cars with automatic transmissions that allow you to also drive them manually, you may want to use the paddle shifters (if available), which are levers on the steering wheels of cars with this feature, or put your transmission in manual mode and downshift to the lowest gear. Check your car owner’s manual for information on using your automatic car in manual mode.

  1. Work Your Way to the Right and Out of Traffic

Once you’ve slowed down, it’s critical that you get your car off the road to minimize the chances of getting hit. When you are on the highway or a larger road, you will first want to focus on getting your vehicle to the right lane safely so that you can work towards getting it off the road. Use your turn signals, and pay attention to the traffic around you. Once you get into the slow lane, make sure your hazard lights are on. Steer around any possible hazards and use your lights and horn to alert other motorists if needed.

Move to the shoulder, or somewhere safe off the road like a parking lot, and shift into neutral. Use your emergency brake to further slow the car, but be prepared to release it if you start to skid. If the emergency brake doesn’t help, look for other ways to stop. PBS.org recommends rubbing your wheels against the curb to scrub off speed or drive onto a soft shoulder to help you slow to a stop.

  1. Wait Until You’ve Stopped to Turn Off the Vehicle

You may reason that shutting off the vehicle will help it slow down, it is better to keep your engine running until you have come to a complete stop. Shutting off the ignition will also shut off your power steering, which will make your vehicle even more difficult to handle.

  1. Get Help

Once your car is safely off the road, you’re going to need some assistance. Do not drive the car again, even if the brakes suddenly appear to be working. Keep your hazard lights on, and if you have reflective triangles or road flares, you can also put them behind your car to make yourself more visible. Stay out of oncoming traffic, and avoid standing next to (or behind) your car if you can. Have the car towed to Virginia Auto Service for inspection and repair.

  1. Be Safe

Have your brakes inspected by one of our professional service technicians before you try to drive it again. Remember, you can also prevent problems before they start by having your car’s brakes inspected regularly.

If your brakes go out, knowing what to do could help prevent damage to your vehicle as well as serious injuries. If you are still a little unsure what to do in the event of brake failure, there are helpful instructional videos that can be viewed on YouTube.

At Virginia Auto Service, we love to help you with your vehicle and safety in any way we can. We hope you find these tips for stopping safely when your brakes fail helpful.  For high-quality auto repair services, give the experts at Virginia Auto Service a try. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Getting the most from your vehicle: Tips for Arizona drivers

Car Care Tips for Arizona Drivers

When you purchase a vehicle, it’s not a decision you make lightly and because of the cost involved, you want to get the longest life from it that you can.

The first tip for keeping your vehicle in top running condition is to read and understand your owner’s manual. You’ll also want to spend some time with a trusted auto service mechanic like Virginia Auto Service, about regular maintenance.

 
1. Fluid check: On a regular basis you should be popping the hood to check vehicle fluids. Fluids include antifreeze coolant, transmission, power steering and brake fluids. Don’t forget to check your windshield washer fluid.

 
2. Brakes: These should be checked and professionally bled and purged of old fluid and refilled with new fluid every two years. Without proper maintenance, you can run into expensive brake issues such as rotted brake lines or malfunctioning anti-lock brake pumps. If your brake lines rot, moisture can seep in and damage the entire braking system.

 
3. Upkeep: Cleaning and washing your vehicle, inside and out, not only adds to its resale value, but it makes for a more enjoyable ride. If you notice any rust bubbles or dents when you’re washing the car, you should have them addressed as soon as they appear.

 
4. Oil: Check your owner’s manual or ask your service professional but it might be wise to change to a synthetic lubricant oil – it’s more costly but the benefits outweigh the cost. Synthetics offer superior performance and lubrication. Additionally the synthetics are more environmentally friendly as they don’t use fossil fuels.

 
5. Recalls and Service Bulletins: If you’re the original owner of the car, you should be notified of manufacturer recalls. If you aren’t the original owner, check the Internet or with a local dealer to see if there have been any recalls issued.

 
6. Fill it up: With gasoline, it might be tempting to skimp and use a cheaper grade. When you go to the pump use the gas specifically formulated for your vehicle type.

 
Routine maintenance such as fluid checks and keeping your car clean can be done by the average weekend mechanic. When it comes to having larger vehicle maintenance issues addressed, it’s best to work with a certified auto mechanic. It’s always best to know a mechanic and a garage that you’d like to work with before the need arises.

August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month

Check your brakes this month! (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)

Check your brakes this month!

When it comes to performing routine maintenance on our cars, most of us know the importance of changing the oil and checking the tires but we often forget to inspect a component that is critical for our safety, the brakes.  August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month and Carcare.org, the campaign sponsor aims to make sure all automobile owners know understand how important it is to have routine brake inspections done.    This basic maintenance task ensures you know when your brakes need service or repair so that you will never be in danger of them failing when you need them the most.

According to the Car Care Council, the brakes on every car should be inspected at least once a year for wear, tear, and damage.  In addition to these annual inspections, car owners should know how to recognize the signs that something has gone awry with the brakes or that they are wearing down.  The Car Care Council outlines seven signs that brake problems may be present.

  1. Screeching Noise

One of the most common signs that there is a problem with the brakes is hearing the tell-tale screeching or grinding noise whenever the brake pedal is pressed.  When the brake pads get worn down enough, the screeching starts so that you know it is time to replace the pads.  Failing to heed this sign could result in damage to additional brake components.

  1. Pulling to the Side

If the car pulls to one side or the other when you use the brakes, this can indicate that there is an issue with one of the brake components.  This is similar to what happens if you drive a car that is out of alignment but the pulling only occurs when you are braking.

  1. Low Pedal Pressure

If it feels like the pedal goes almost to the floor before it does anything, you have low pedal pressure.  This is caused by a problem with the brakes and can be a pre-cursor to brake failure.

  1. Hard Pedal Pressure

This is the opposite of low pedal pressure above.  If the brake is very difficult to depress and you have to press down harder and harder to get the same result or it to get the brake to engaged, you have a hard pedal which can be indicative of brake problems.

  1. Grabbing

If your brakes seem to engage even when you touch the pedal lightly, this is called grabbing.  It can signify problems with the braking system or components.

  1. Vibrations

If you press the pedal and you can feel the brakes stutter, pulse, or vibrate in any other unusual way, this is a sign that there is a problem with the brakes.  This can indicate that the brakes are reaching the end of their life and may also be a precursor to brake failure.

  1. Brake Light Illuminated

If the light in the dashboard that relates to brakes comes on, don’t wait to take it in and have the repair tech check the brakes.   When this light comes on it can indicate problems with the anti-lock brake system, brakes that are worn out and failing, or another problem with the braking system that cannot wait.

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