Brake repair is nothing to fear. Your brakes are doing you a favor by squeaking and squealing like that; in fact, brake repair actually means that your brakes are doing their job. Having worn brakes means that they have been stopping your car properly!
Brake wear indicators are the components that squeal when they wear down, signalling that its time for brake repair work. By no means should you think that something is wrong with your brakes; rather, think of brake repair as necessary to a smoothly running car. Wear indicator against turning rotor isnt the only signal for brake repair, however. Does your brake light illuminate even when your parking brake is not engaged? Have your brake fluid level checked if this happens; it may need replenishing. Another sign of brake fluid trouble: pooling light amber fluid underneath your car and or a distinctive, pungent odor. Have your brake repair technician check your fluid line for leaks.
Do either your brake pedal or your wheel vibrate? Rotor surface issues could be developing. Do your brakes squeal when you let up on the brake pedal? This could mean that your brake wear indicators are scraping against your rotors. Grinding or growling brakes mean metal on metal contact, which means your brake pedals have worn away completely. But, its an entirely different story if your brakes squeal until your car comes to a full stop. This is the exception to the rule, if you have recently had your car in to the shop for brake repair, and means just that the technician may not have taken the brake repair process all the way to the end. This should not be a cause for concern, but you may want to return your car to the shop anyway, to be on the safe side. Generally speaking, you should always take your car in for brake repair as soon as you notice any of these warning signs, before the situation gets any worse. Youll thank yourself.
Dont forget to also have your brake fluid inspected on a regular basis. It can become contaminated with moisture and metal flakes that interfere with proper function. Frequently, contaminated brake fluid is the only reason calipers and wheel cylinders need replacing. And, speaking of inspections, experts recommend that car owners have their brakes inspected on an annual basis, or twice a year if the vehicle is regularly used for heavy hauling or towing.
One final tip: dont have your brake fluid topped off whenever your car is in the shop. Full fluid levels will not permit your wear indicators to do their iob properly. And be sure to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Evenly worn tire surfaces create the proper amount of road surface friction needed to stop your car!
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