Dont fear brake repair! The need for brake repair should tell you that your brakes have been doing what they were intended to do. You should consider brake repair as much a part of regular car maintenance as oil changes and engine tuneups.
Your car has a few ways of letting you know that its time for brake repair. Has your brake light gone on when your parking brake is disengaged? That means that your brake fluid is too low. Have you noticed a distinctive odor or seen light amber liquid pooling beneath your car? Then you have a leak in your brake fluid line. Theres no mistaking the smell of leaking brake fluid! A vibrating brake pedal or wheel signals rotor surface issues.
Other signals that you need brake repair include brakes that squeal as you release the brake pedal, which usually means that your brake wear indicators are worn down and making contact with the rotors. Grinding or growling metal on metal sounds mean that your brake pads are completely worn away.
Dont put off brake repair if any of these signs appear. Experts recommend that you address the problem right away, before it gets worse. They also recommend regular annual brake inspections, twice a year if you use your vehicle for heavy hauling or towing. Tires should also be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to maintain even friction with the road. (Remember, its the friction between tire and road surface that actually stops the car.)
You should also have your brake fluid checked periodically for contamination by metal pieces and moisture. Calipers and wheel cylinders are often damaged by improperly maintained brake fluid. Also be sure to keep metal on metal contact points well lubricated.
Just remember, your cars brake system is purposely designed to wear. We keep that system in good working order through regular brake repair, just as we tune up our engines to keep them running well. Theres no need to fear brake repair!