Before You Go, Make Sure You Can Stop
Your braking system is one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. Ignoring any signs of wear can suddenly become an urgent situation. If your brakes are not working at full capacity or you need brake repair near Champlin, you can trust these critical components to the ASE Certified Technicians at AutoPro. Schedule a brake inspection ASAP by calling AutoPro at (763) 703-6172. Or, keep reading to learn more about why your brakes may have lost their stopping power.
3 Brake Noises Indicating You Need Repairs
1. Squealing
If you hear a squealing noise coming from your brakes it could indicate the brake pads have excessive wear. There are tabs attached to brake pads that can become exposed when the pad material has worn down. The metal in the exposed tab will then rub against the steel of your brake rotor to produce a squealing sound. If your brake pads don't have tabs, this means the rotor is rubbing against the actual brake pad, which is even more dangerous than the first scenario.
2. Thumping Noise
Hearing a thumping noise from the front of your vehicle could mean the rotors have become warped. In addition to the thumping sound, you may feel the steering wheel shake when you come to a stop. It is also possible the rotors have a build up of brake pad material and have not actually become warped. In this case the rotors may not need to be replaced if the material build up can be machined off.
3. Dragging Brakes
Dragging brakes or brake drag, sounds like something is dragging under your car, typically from the rear, although it can happen in the front. Brake drag occurs when a brake caliper or brake drum fails to completely release the brake rotor when you take your foot off of the brake pedal. When this happens, the pad or shoe will come in contact with the rest of the brake mechanism, wearing down the components.
How Often Should Your Brakes be Inspected?
All vehicle maintenance is important but maintaining your brake system is especially critical, simply from a safety standpoint. We recommend routine brake inspections every 10,000 to 12,000 miles as part of your yearly vehicle maintenance. We also recommend having your brake fluid flushed and replaced every two to five years. Brake pads should last for 20,000 to 80,000 miles, and this vast range is due to a number of variables to include:
- Driving habits
- Climate
- Quality of brake parts
- Vehicle make and model
Wear-and-tear doesn’t just affect your brake pads either. Other elements of your vehicle’s braking system can sustain damage or corrosion over time. Regular inspections can reveal a small brake problem before it develops into a more costly repair or even worse, puts your precious cargo in danger.
AutoPro Provides Brake Repair Near Champlin, MN
At AutoPro, safety is our top priority. Our ASE-certified mechanics use top-of-the-line diagnostics to inspect your braking system and communicate our findings and next steps clearly with our customers. If any of your brake components need replacing, we use NAPA Auto Parts - a standard of excellence in the auto repair industry. All repairs are backed by a 3 year/36,000-mile warranty (parts and labor). This is 3x the warranty than most repair facilities. Most dealerships and other shops only offer a 1 year warranty. Schedule a brake inspection by calling AutoPro at (763) 703-6172