Don’t take chances with brake problems. Bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle to McCurley’s Shell right away if you notice any of the signs of brake trouble listed below. You cannot afford to lose the ability to slow down and stop your vehicle.
Brake System Noises
The brake system might start to make strange noises if it is going bad. For example, your brakes may squeal if they are overheating or if the brake pads need to be replaced. The brakes may grind if the brake pad surface is depleted. You shouldn’t hear any noise when you apply your automobile’s brakes.
Illuminated Brake Light
The Brake light will turn on when you set the parking brake. If it turns on and stays on at any other time, there’s a problem with the brake system that needs to be addressed immediately. The same is true if your ABS light turns on and stays on. The ABS light warns of an antilock brake system failure.
Leaking Brown Fluid
If you have brown fluid that is leaking from behind the tires, the brake system has sprung a leak. In some cases, the brake fluid may also be red. You can confirm the color of your brake fluid by looking at it in the reservoir in your engine when the engine is cold. Leaking brake fluid can render the brakes useless.
Overheating Brakes
As we mentioned above, your brakes will squeal if they are overheating. This is because the brake pads and rotors have glazed and make squealing noises when they press against each other. You may also smell your brakes if they get too hot. You may smell hot chemicals or burning carpet odors.
Pulling to the Side
Pulling to the side when you apply the brakes can also be a sign that the brake system is in trouble. In this case, you likely have a caliper that is stuck. We can repair the caliper or replace it if necessary so the direction of your vehicle does not change when you press down on the brake pedal.
Spongy Brake Pedal
Finally, if your brake pedal feels soft underneath your foot, you may have air bubbles in the brake lines. A spongy brake pedal is also a sign that the master cylinder is going bad and needs to be replaced. If your pedal sinks all the way to the floor, stop driving your automobile as you may not be able to get it to stop.
Call McCurley’s Shell in Atlanta, GA, today if you are having brake problems. We will service or repair your vehicle’s brake system.
