Posted January 26, 2007
By:
Dave Carney
& Service Manager, Mike Riegger
The Fast Track on Brakes
We often get questions from our
customers about brakes. So, we decided
that a
Question and Answer format featuring the
most frequently asked questions about
brakes would be ideal for this edition
of Car Care Tips.
Q:
How often should I have my brakes
checked?
A: A good rule-of-thumb is
to have your brakes checked at every
other oil change service, or every 6,000
miles. Ideally, since the wheels are
already off the car to do a tire
rotation; there is no extra charge at
this time to perform the brake check.
Although this may seem a little more
often than necessary; the magic is in
the simplicity of it. Change the oil
every 3,000 miles; rotate the tires and
inspect the brakes at every other oil
change.
Q:
What should I do if the front end of my
car vibrates when I apply the brakes?
A: If, while applying the
brake your car shutters and vibrates,
this indicates that you are due for a
brake inspection. This is progressive
condition, and while it is not a problem
in the early stages, you do need to get
it checked. Most likely, there is a
problem with a brake rotor that has been
warped due to heat buildup, or it is
worn below minimum requirements. Note: If
the front end vibrates and you do not
have your foot on the brake, you
probably need to have your tires
balanced.
Q: What
should I do if my brakes are squealing
or squeaking?
A: Have your brakes
inspected! The squealing or squeaking
could be a mechanical problem. Your
brake sensor may be scraping on the
rotor, which indicates that your car is
due for new brakes. Squeaking can also
be caused by advanced brake wear where
the rivets of the brake lining are
scraping on the rotors. This could get
expensive if not repaired soon. Note: Some
disk brakes just squeak from
time-to-time and there is nothing wrong.
A squeak can be caused by too much or
too little moisture in the
air. Technicians can mitigate the squeak
by disassembling the brakes and adding
lubrication.
Q: What
do I do if the ABS/brake light is
illuminated on the dash?
A: An illuminated ABS, or
anti-lock brake system light, is an
indication for you to take your car in
for service. A trained technician needs
to access your car’s onboard computer to
find out why the light is on. You should
not delay. Your being proactive could
save you money. Note:
An illuminated brake light is not always
indicative of a serious problem as it
could also indicate that a brake light
is out, or that the brake fluid level is
low.
Q: Is
it normal for new brakes to smell or
smoke?
A: YES! The compounds in the
new brake lining tend to smoke or smell
as they are burning off. Generally, this
will go away in about 500 miles.
Bottom line, an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure whether it is the
brakes or any other system on your car.
If you have any questions, please feel
free to E-mail us at:
servicemanager@hillsideautorepair.com,
or give us a call at Hillside
Automotive, 310/373-7676.
Safe, happy motoring!
Dave Carney |
