You should always take your car to a Brake repair Austin TX professional if you notice any signs of trouble with your brakes. However, it’s a good idea to know some basic things about brake repair for those times when you can’t make it to the mechanic. It’s possible to do some simple brake maintenance at home or on the road, but be sure to stop as soon as possible and call a tow truck if you notice any warning signs. Here are some tips for brake repair that will help keep you safe.
How to Check the Brake Fluid
One of the simplest ways to check for a brake problem is by examining your brake fluid.
The first thing you’ll want to do is inspect the color and clarity of the fluid. If it’s a light yellow or clear, then it’s safe to assume that there are no problems with your brakes. Dark or rusty fluid, on the other hand, means that there is air in your braking system and you may need to have some repairs done as soon as possible.
The next step is to open up your hood and take a look at the brake fluid reservoir. Examine how much of the fluid has spilled on the ground and whether or not it smells burnt. If there is any indication that there could be burnt smell, then you should immediately contact a professional for more help.
Lastly, check under your vehicle and see if you notice any leaks on either side of the drums—or on any other part of the car.
What to Do About a Squeaky Brake
If you notice that your brakes are squeaking, it could mean that the brake rotors have been worn down. This will require a more comprehensive brake repair from a professional, but there are some things you can do to make your brakes stop squeaking.
Start by taking a look at the brake pads and see if they’re wearing down. If they are, you can replace them with new ones. You'll need to take the wheel off and remove the caliper bracket bolts before changing out the pads for new ones. You might also want to buy a can of brake corrosion remover and spray it on the rotors with some WD-40.
When all of those steps don't work, then it's time to call a professional for an inspection and possible replacement of any parts that need attention.
Heat Up Your Rotors
If you notice that your brakes are pulsating or vibrating, there may be a problem with the rotors. It’s a good idea to stop as soon as possible and call a tow truck. If you’re able to drive the car slowly, call a roadside service or take it to a local shop.
Once you get your car to an auto repair shop or garage, ask for them to heat up your rotors so you can see if they need resurfacing. The mechanic will use an infrared thermometer to measure the surface temperature of your brake rotors. If they’ve cooled down too much since installation, it means they may need resurfacing or replacement.
When to Change Your Brake Pads
Your brake pads are the key to safe braking. They keep your car’s wheels from completely locking up when you step on the brakes. If they wear out too much, you will have to replace them.
The average life of brake pads varies depending on how often you use your vehicle and the weight of your vehicle. Most brake pads can last anywhere from 18,000-30,000 miles or more before needing to be replaced.
You should change your brake pads when you hear a squeaking sound while braking, when you notice less friction on the brakes, or when you feel an uneven pushing pressure on the pedal. These are all signs that it may be time for new brake pads!
What To Do About a Burning Smell From Your Brakes
A burning smell from your brakes is a warning sign that something is wrong. It might be as simple as brake pads needing to be replaced, or it could signal a damaged brake rotors. Either way, you should stop driving and call a tow truck if you notice the smell of burning rubber.
What you do with your car will depend on whether or not you’ve noticed any other warning signs like smoke coming from under the hood, squealing sounds when braking, or slipping wheels. If you haven’t noticed those things yet but just smell an unusual odor from your brakes, you should still stop and call a tow truck immediately. You want to make sure that it’s safe for you to continue driving before doing anything else.
Conclusion
Brake maintenance is a very important and often overlooked part of car care. Simple brake maintenance can help you avoid costly and potentially dangerous breakdowns.
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