The brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car, so it’s crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle to keep them in top condition. Whether you need a brake inspection or a full brake replacement, Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram provides high-quality maintenance services in Albion, MI, to help get you back on the road.
Do I Need My Brakes Serviced?
If your brake light goes off or you notice your vehicle takes longer to stop, you need your brakes serviced immediately. Brake components wear down over time, so getting your brakes serviced periodically is essential even if there isn’t an obvious problem. At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you can get your brakes inspected when your car is due for a wheel alignment.
Generally, you should always have your brakes inspected every 20,000 to 60,000 miles or every six months (whichever comes first).
Services You Might Need
All your brake components work together to slow down your car, absorbing substantial amounts of kinetic energy. Whether you have disc or drum brakes, your brake pads will gradually wear down with use and require repairs or replacement.
Common services for automotive brake systems include:
- Regular inspections
- Brake pad replacements
- Brake rotor replacement
- Hydraulic brake fluid exchange
- Power brake booster installation
Get in touch with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today for comprehensive brake services at an affordable price.
Common Brake Issues
Brakes are complex, and a single piece of brake hardware can cause numerous problems. At our Albion auto shop, our experienced technicians can help you diagnose and fix any potential brake problem. Some common symptoms of brake issues include:
Brake Warning Light
The brake light on your dashboard has multiple meanings: the parking brake is up, the brakes are due to be serviced, or something is wrong with your brakes.
If the ABS light stays on, that’s also a sign of a problem. It means your car’s ABS module has determined the anti-lock brake system isn’t working correctly. We can provide a thorough checkup and return your brakes to their optimal performance level.
Squeaking, Screeching, or Grinding Sounds
Brake noise can mean there’s something stuck in your brakes, but it can also indicate a variety of problems. Your front and rear brake pads may also contain small pieces of metal that signal wear and tear. When the pads wear down, these metal contact points begin touching the brake rotor, causing the characteristic screeching sound when you brake. If you hear the sound of metal on metal when you hit the brakes, give us a call.
Wobbly Braking
Various brake issues can cause your steering wheel or car to shake when braking. It can be a problem with your brake discs, brake drum, or the ABS brake system. Let us know if you’re experiencing shaking when you hit your brake pedal, and we’ll investigate for you.
Low or Leaky Brake Fluid
Most cars use hydraulic pressure as part of the braking process. Leaks in the brake system (for instance, in your wheel cylinders) can cause the hydraulic fluid to drain from your vehicle, eventually reaching such low fluid levels that your brake lines can’t generate the hydraulic pressure necessary to stop the car. At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’ll identify any leaks in the system and refill your hydraulic lines.
No Resistance When Hitting the Brakes
The brake pedal in your car should have some resistance. Little or no resistance can signify a faulty master cylinder, contaminated or dirty brake fluid, or low pressure in your brake lines.
Lopsided Braking
If your car shifts to one side when you hit the brakes, that can mean that part of your brakes (such as your brake caliper) isn’t working correctly. The issue may be caused by corroded slide pins trapping the caliper in place or rusted pistons causing the brake pads to have uneven contact with the rotors.
Schedule an Affordable Brake Checkup Today
Waiting to get your brakes checked out can mean a costly repair down the line and endanger you and other drivers on the road. Call Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today at (517) 459-6023, or book an appointment online. Whether you need a routine brake service or a full brake system repair, we’re here to help.