5 Signs Your CDJRF Needs a Brake Repair

When your vehicle has a brake issue, it must be addressed quickly. Delaying repair puts more strain on your car and your wallet and increases your risk of an accident. To catch brake problems early, be attentive to changes in how your vehicle sounds or feels. Keep your eyes and ears open for these signs that it’s time to visit your CDJRF dealer for a brake repair.

1. Visible Wear

You can view your brake pads and rotors through the spokes of your wheels and check for obvious signs of damage. Note the thickness of the brake pads and look for rust, grooves, or cracks on the rotors. Not all brake problems are immediately visible, though, so be on the lookout for other symptoms and schedule an appointment if you have concerns.

2. Squealing

Brake pads provide the friction needed to stop your vehicle. When they wear down, they stop working effectively. Fortunately, modern brake pads come with a built-in wear indicator: a metal piece that rubs against the rotor when the pad has worn down. This makes a squealing noise that indicates it’s time for new pads.

3. Grinding

If you ignore or don’t notice the sound of the brake pad indicator, you might eventually notice a grinding noise when you apply the brake. That sound is the caliper grinding against the rotor, which generally means the brake pad is worn through. In addition to new pads, you may need your rotors repaired. If the damage is severe, you might need new rotors.

4. Vibrating Pedal or Steering Wheel

Excessive friction and heat can warp your rotors. This often occurs as a result of repeated hard braking. When the rotors are warped, the brake pad can’t get an even grip on the surface, resulting in a vibration that you can feel in the brake pedal or the steering wheel. Many other issues, such as unbalanced wheels or damaged ball joints, can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

5. Squishy or Less Responsive Brake Pedal

If your brake pedal doesn’t feel right, it could mean your brake fluid is low or contaminated. The pedal might feel squishy or spongy, or it might go straight to the floor when you apply the brake, and your vehicle may take longer than usual to come to a complete stop. Low fluid often indicates a leaky brake line, so don’t hesitate to get it checked out.

By staying on top of routine maintenance and visiting a qualified mechanic at the first sign of a problem, you can enjoy many years of safe driving. If you need brake service, contact Bergstrom Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Kaukauna in Kaukauna, WI to schedule an appointment today.

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