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January 2007 E-mail Newsletter
Check Your Brakes Before You Travel This Spring
If you’re planning a trip this spring, now is a good time to take a break for safety—especially if your brake system might be telling you there is a problem. Whether your brakes are squealing, pulling or shuddering, regular brake inspection and maintenance can nix brake issues and prevent them from becoming worse.
Here are some tips on what to watch and listen for:
Squealing and groaning noises. Are your brakes starting to squeal or groan? Squealing or groaning brakes could mean:
- Your brake pads are worn and the wear indicators are doing their job. If so, it’s time to replace the pads.
- Your vehicle is operating with improperly fitted parts or low-quality or abrasive brake pads.
- Your braking system has a poor interface between the brake pad, caliper and rotor. This can result in excessive vibration, noise and compromised braking power.
Pulling and shuddering (vibration). When you apply the brakes and feel a pull to one side, it may be low tire pressure. But the pull might also be caused by a brake caliper sticking, leaking or not sliding properly due to corrosion. A malfunctioning caliper can lead to uneven pad and rotor wear. This will reduce pad life and may also cause your steering wheel to shudder or vibrate.
Soft pedal feel. When you hit the brakes, does it feel like walking on air? A soft brake pedal most often results from improper bleeding of the brake lines, allowing air into the system. General corrosion caused by water can also induce a spongy pedal feel. Water in the brake lines may cause brake fluid to boil, forming gases in the lines and loss of much of your available stopping power in heavy-duty or extreme-use conditions, such as towing a trailer or on steep descents.
Stop by your nearest Just Brakes for a FREE visual brake inspection by a Just Brakes Certified Brake Safety Expert and they can check for any of these conditions and resolve them. They also can help you develop a regular maintenance program to ensure that your brakes are operating at their best. Take an active role in maintaining your vehicle—and enjoy a safe spring break.
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