It goes without saying that brakes are one of the most crucial safety features of your car. All responsible drivers should keep their brakes in consistently tip-top condition. If you experience one of the following issues with your brakes, visit your local GMC dealer without delay for brake repair or servicing.
Brake Light Comes On
Fortunately, modern cars usually have sophisticated sensors that detect brake problems early on. So if your vehicle’s brakes need attention, you’re likely to see the brake warning light come to life on your dashboard. You might even see a specific brake light indicating an issue with one part of the system, such as the brake pads or brake fluid.
Brake Fluid Leaking
One particularly hazardous brake problem is leaking brake fluid. Brake fluid maintains hydraulic pressure within the lines, which transmits the stopping signal to the calipers. Without sufficient fluid filling up the brake lines, your foot on the pedal might not be able to send a clear enough braking signal.
So if you ever suspect a brake fluid leak, immediately pull over and have it repaired. When leaking, brake fluid may cause the pedal to feel spongy underfoot. You might also notice a puddle of light yellow or brown liquid under your car.
Odd Sounds While Braking
Any unusual sounds from your brakes beyond a few seconds of squeaking should be cause for concern. Prolonged high-pitched squealing may indicate a worn-out brake pad, while heavier grinding sounds might mean that a brake pad has lost its friction layer and is scraping directly on the rotor. Grinding can also mean something has come loose inside a caliper.
Diminished Stopping Power
Fading brake power sometimes means that your brakes are temporarily overheating. If your brakes aren’t stopping your car as promptly as usual, pull over and allow them to cool. If the problem continues, have a technician inspect your brakes at once.
Vibrating Brake Pedal
If you feel strange vibrations through the brake pedal, one of your rotors might be damaged. This can happen as a result of age combined with overheating, which makes rotors vulnerable to scoring or warping. A damaged rotor disc will need to be either resurfaced or replaced.
Have Brake Servicing at Your GMC Dealer Twice a Year
Brake service is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any car. It’s usually advisable to have a car’s brakes serviced twice a year, if not even more frequently. Not only does this ensure that nascent brake problems are found and repaired, but it also allows the technician to tell you how much longer your brake pads are likely to last.
Visit GMC of Billings today to have your brakes serviced or repaired. We’re a local full-service dealership providing the drivers of Billings, MT, and the nearby region with great cars, deals, and customer care.
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