Have the brakes on your SUV inspected every 12,000 miles or once a year. This may seem as if it is overkill, but it isn’t, the brake system is your SUV’s most important safety system. Mid-Atlantic Domestic SUV is going to list the signs of brake problems below that require immediate attention.
ABS/Brake Warning
If your ABS or Brake light turns on when you apply the brakes or while you are driving, a system sensor in the brake system has sent an error code to the engine control unit. It’s important to have this error code diagnosed right away just in case there is something seriously wrong with the brakes.
Leaking Brake Fluid
If you see brown or red spots near your SUV’s tires, the brake system is leaking brake fluid. As you already know, the brake fluid can leak out of the brake hoses. You may not realize that the master cylinder can also spring a brake fluid leak. Low brake fluid makes stopping your SUV difficult.
Noises When Braking
You don’t want to hear noises when you apply your SUV’s brakes. If you hear squealing, the brakes could be overheating. You may also hear squealing if the brake pads need to be replaced. You do not have any pad surfaces left if the brakes scrape or grind when you apply them.
Overheating Brakes
Aside from squealing, your SUV’s overheating brakes will also smell extremely hot. It’s important that you stop driving the SUV. When the brake system reaches a certain temperature, the brakes will fail. Specific burning odors include burning carpet and burning chemicals.
Pulling to the Side
The direction in which your SUV slows down and stops should not change from straight. If the SUV starts to pull to one side, you need to have the caliper replaced on that wheel. A general rule of thumb for the calipers is to install new ones every 75,000 miles.
Squishy Brake Pedal
A squishy brake pedal could be a sign that the master cylinder is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. If the pedal feels too soft underneath your foot, you may also have air bubbles that have developed inside the brake lines.
Vibration When Braking
Finally, if your SUV vibrates when you apply the brakes, it’s time to have the rotor surfaces recut. This is a service that is recommended every 60,000 miles.
Call Mid-Atlantic Domestic SUV in Virginia Beach, VA, today so we can schedule a service appointment for your SUV. We will inspect the brake system thoroughly to make sure everything is okay.