8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

Know the Signs of Poor Brakes

by | Apr 28, 2015 | Brake Repair, Car Care Tips, Fuel Efficiency, Safe Driving Tips

When you are driving, you will want to make sure your vehicle is as safe and reliable as possible. One way to accomplish this is to bring the vehicle in for regular maintenance inspections. We can check the parts and components of the vehicle to ensure they are working correctly with one another. If you notice anything out of the norm, make sure to bring the vehicle in so it can get repaired before a larger issue occurs. One part that should always be inspected is the brake system. The brakes are important because they allow your vehicle to slow down and to stop when they need to. If you notice an issue with the braking of your vehicle, make sure to schedule an appointment to bring it in as soon as possible.

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Inspect the Brakes at the First Sign

When your vehicle starts creating abnormal sounds, feelings or smells, start investigating the issue sooner rather than letting the condition worsen. Waiting will only lead to more expensive parts wearing out and requiring replacement. If the rotors start to warp and become damaged when completely worn brake pads and shoes exceed their lifespan, shortening the life of healthy parts due to the metal on metal grinding that occurs. Screeching, grinding, squealing, rubbing, or any other loud piercing noises are common indicators that the brake pads and shoes require special attention. This should be addressed before worn pads cause damage to other parts, which could result in more expensive repairs. If there is a vibration feel you notice in the brake pedal or steering wheel, make sure to bring the vehicle in. If this is a familiar feeling, your brake system is telling you something. Wait any longer, and your rotors might get warped from the metal on metal rubbing, potentially costing you a lot more in repair. Stop in as soon as possible if you are experiencing this unpleasant problem. Another issue you may notice is if the brake pedal pushes down further than it typically does. This will require more pressure and time to perform the same stopping function. If you notice this, make sure to bring your vehicle in so we can inspect the brake system for you.

Inspect the Brake Rotors of Your Vehicle

If you start to notice a grinding noise, it could mean that the brake pads have worn down and are not causing direct contact with the brake rotors. There are some tips you can do to help keep the brake rotors lasting as long as possible. The more city driving, the more stop and go, the quicker the brakes wear down. This type of driving can wear brake pads down faster, which can warp rotors more quickly. If you constantly drive like this, bring your vehicle in for at least one brake inspection a year to check for problems. Also make sure that you do not ride the brakes. Riding your brake is the sure-fire way to wear your pads and warp your rotors from the excessive heat generated, especially at high speeds.