Brake Pad Service in Hollywood, Fl
Cars come with all sorts of safety features these days, but the most reliable safety feature is your brake system. You never want to have to worry about whether your brakes are going to work or not. But if you start to notice something is off, how do you know which part of your brake system is the issue? Auto Repair Pros in Hollywood, Florida have some advice to help you identify whether you need a brake pad service or more in-depth brake system repair — or even replacement.
Brake Pad Service
Brake pads are the part of the brake system that actually apply the pressure and friction that slow down and stop your tire. That friction will eventually wear down the brake pads, requiring regular replacements. How long your brake pads last depends on your location and how you drive. If you primarily drive on highways or in rural areas, you may be able to last 70,000 miles between brake pad replacements. If you drive more in cities or suburban areas, requiring frequent stop-and-go traffic, you may need to replace them as frequently as every 25,000 to 35,000 miles.
Most of the time, if you notice issues with your brakes, worn down brake pads are the cause. If they become too worn down, you will start to notice signs like squeaking or squealing sounds, grinding or growling sounds, vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel, and thin brake pads. Some newer vehicles also have indicator lights to let you know when the brake pads need to be replaced.
Brake System Repair
While most brake issues are caused by worn down brake pads, some are caused by issues elsewhere in the brake system. These can be wear or damage in the brake pedal, hydraulics, rotors, calipers, cylinders, or other parts. In some severe cases, the fix may require a full system replacement, so if you notice something wrong, bring your car into your Hollywood, FL auto shop sooner rather than later to prevent it from getting to that point.
Beyond the signs already mentioned for brake pad issues, watch out for your car pulling to one side, burning smells, a soft or spongy brake pedal — not the pedal itself, but the ability to push it all the way to the floor with little to no resistance — or your car shaking. Any or all of these could indicate an issue with your brake system.
Brake Maintenance
No one wants to deal with a major brake system repair. You should be checking on your brake system, especially your brake pads, regularly, as part of your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance. Auto Repair Pros’ ASE-certified mechanics are happy to give your brakes a look, or we’ll inspect your brakes as part of our oil change service to let you know how much life is left in the brake pads or if anything else needs to be addressed. Keeping ahead with maintenance prevents severe, expensive, and dangerous damage in such a crucial auto safety feature.
