Brakes are one of the most important components on any vehicle. They keep you safe and the vehicle under control in an emergency situation. Keeping your brakes well serviced gives confidence and saves you money in the long-term. There are warning signs though, that your brakes are beginning to wear or go bad. At High Tech Automotive in Wenatchee, WI, our team of ASE-certified technicians know these warning signs very well. With their many years of experience, they can pinpoint the problem with your brake system, and make the necessary recommendations. We like to share with you what to look for, and determine whether you need to plan a visit to a shop.

Brake Warning Light

The most obvious warning sign is the brake warning light. When it illuminates on your dash, it may warn of brake pad wear. Many brake pad kits today come with a pad wear sensor. One pad thickness reaches a certain threshold, a signal is sent to the vehicle’s brain, illuminating the light. Other causes for the light include; handbrake is still engaged, ABS malfunction, brake fluid levels are low, and/or a brake light is out. In any event, please consult a shop when this light is on.

Hearing A Grinding Noise

A grinding noise coming from the brakes can be a truly disheartening experience. There are times where it could give you some rocks caught in the caliper. Otherwise, it usually means the brake pads have worn out completely, and are now grinding on the brake rotors. These create uneven grooves in the rotors, which can not be repaired. If your vehicle has drum brakes, it usually boils down to lack of lubrication with the brake shoes. The shoes could be scraping on the brake backing plate due to rust.

Leaking Fluid 

If while driving, you experience a soft pedal, it may be a sign leaky brake master cylinder. The master cylinder pushes brake fluid to the caliper, creating hydraulic pressure. If fluid begins leaking from the cylinder, it can not create the necessary pressure for the pads to grab the hold of the brake rotors. If you see fluid in your wheels, please visit a shop immediately.

Brake warning signs should never be ignored. We want you to be safe and vigilant in understanding when these problems develop. If you have any questions about brake repair, or signs of brake wear, please give us a call at (509) 992-1438. We’re located at 1230 McKittrick St in Wenatchee. We can’t wait to see you soon!