Blog

Your brakes are your Chevy's most important safety system, giving you full control over your speed. This is essential, as most accidents can be prevented if you stop in time. Brake components wear out over time, preventing your brakes from working efficiently. As your Chevy dealer, we want to give you a few signs you need to visit us for a brake inspection. more Signs You Need a Brake Inspection at Your Chevy Dealer Brake Fluid Leak Brake fluid is essential for your braking system, providing the hydraulic power that forces the brakes to work. When you hit the brakes, the pressurized fluid is forced through the brake hoses to the brake calipers. It forces the pins out of the calipers, causing them to clamp against the rotors. The brake pads inside the calipers create friction against the rotors and this stops your wheels. The fluid can leak from a rusted brake line, worn brake hose, or damaged seal. It's very difficult to spot a leak, as the fluid is thin and slightly yellowish, so it usually blends with the ground. You'll feel the lack of fluid as the brake pedal becomes less responsive. Our technicians will trace and seal the leak then we'll refill your brake fluid. Worn Brake Pads As we saw above, the brake pads force your rotors to a stop by generating friction. Each pad has a 1/2" thick rough material cover. The rotors are smooth and flat, and the reaction of a rough pad to a smooth rotor creates friction. As time passes, the friction material gradually wears off and the thinner material coverings prevent your brakes from working as efficiently as they should. Once a pad's material covering drops to 1/4" thickness, it needs replacement. The pad manufacturers install a metal spike inside the material, which only becomes visible when a pad has worn down. The spike will scratch against the rotor when you brake, producing a high-pitched screeching noise. We can quickly replace the pads and your brakes will work effectively again. Glazed Pads Glazed pads have a material covering that's turned smooth and glass-like. They're dangerous as their smooth surfaces can't produce friction, so a wheel with a glazed pad will continue to turn until brought to a stop by the other wheels. Glazing is caused by intense friction and heat caused by a pad continuously skimming a rotor surface. This can happen if you ride your brakes for long periods. It can also be caused by a damaged caliper that remains partially pressed against its rotor. We can quickly replace glazed pads, and we can repair or replace a damaged caliper if needed. If you have a brake problem, contact us today at Ted Britt Chevrolet in Sterling, VA.

If you've been driving around with squeaky or grinding brakes, you may need new brake pads. Don't ignore these noises! Here are a few signs that you need brake service from your Chevy dealer: It's Hard To Stop Your Vehicle If you find yourself having to press your brake pedal harder than usual, or if it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop, then you could need new pads. more When braking, you should be able to tap the brakes lightly and still have them work effectively. If this isn't the case and you need to press harder just so your vehicle will stop, your pads are worn out and need replacement, or you need other brake repairs. Your Brakes Make a Grinding Noise When You Press on Them If you hear grinding noises when you apply the brakes, you should bring your car to the dealership. Your pads will make grinding noises when the caliper and brake disc rub each other. The metal is exposed when the pads are worn down, resulting in a grinding noise. Brake Wear Indicator Is Triggered The brake wear indicator lets you know when your pads need replacing. These metal wear indicators are built into certain sections of the pad and make squealing noises as the friction surface wears down. The sound of the pads wearing down will get louder as they get closer to failure. If you hear any noises when applying your brakes, you should have the brakes checked out immediately. Your Brakes Vibrate When You Press the Brake Pedal Your brake pedal could also vibrate when you press it. This vibration happens because the rotors are worn out and are coming in contact with the calipers. Very minor variations on the rotor's surface can cause these pulses and vibrations. Dirt, rust, and oil on the rotors can also cause vibrations. Vibrations can also be caused when the pads are not fully released when you take your foot off the brake. This causes friction and can eventually cause damage to the rotors if not repaired. Warped and uneven rotors can also cause brake vibrations or, if significant, may cause the car to shake. You may also hear squeaking along with the shaking. Schedule a Service Appointment If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's time to schedule a service appointment to replace your brakes in Sterling. One of our technicians will inspect your brakes and let you know if they need to be replaced or if there's a simple fix. If you have any questions about your brake system or any other automotive needs, contact Ted Britt Chevrolet today. We'll diagnose your problem and get you back on the road right away!