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.
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.
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