It’s a good idea to check your brakes often. They’re a crucial part of your car, made up of things like brake pads and rotors. If they’re starting to fail or wear down, there are obvious signs you shouldn’t ignore. We at Crain Kia of Fort Smith, located in Fort Smith, AR, are here to help you spot these warning signs.
Screeching
If you notice a noise when you brake while driving, it’s important to have your car inspected. According to AAA, sharp, high-pitched, or grinding noises can indicate that your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. Karim Nice from the HowStuffWorks‘ blog explains that this kind of noise is usually from the brake pad’s wear indicator. This means the pad is thinning and starting to scrape against the disc, which causes the squealing sound.
Vibration
Does your brake pedal shake or feel odd? That’s typically a sign that your rotor needs attention. Autozone‘s blog points out that hearing scraping noises or experiencing delayed or uneven braking means it’s probably time for a rotor change. They explain that rotors can go for up to 60,000 miles with mainly highway driving. On the other hand, city driving, with its frequent stops, might wear them out after just 20,000 miles. If you suspect your car’s rotors need replacing, making an appointment with Crain Kia of Fort Smith service team is a smart move.
The Brake Pedal
Pressing the brake pedal should feel solid and stop the vehicle quickly. However, Chantel Wakefield mentions in a Kelley Blue Book blog post that if the pedal feels soft and spongy, it’s a sign your car might need repair. This could be because of a few reasons, like a leak in the brake line, not enough brake fluid, or air getting into the brake line. If you’re experiencing a soft brake pedal, it’s a good idea to get it checked by our certified service team.
Dash ABS Light
When the ABS light pops up on your car’s dashboard, it’s time to pay attention to your brakes or have a professional check them out. According to Dustin Hawley from J.D. Power‘s blog, the ABS system monitors the speed of each wheel on your car, ensuring they’re all moving at the same rate. It uses a special sensor to spot any discrepancies and alerts you by turning on a warning light on the dashboard. If this light comes on, it usually means one of four main issues are at play.
Potential Issues
- The ABS Module is not working properly.
- Your car’s brake fluid is depleting.
- The sensors tracking the speed of your wheels are malfunctioning.
- The system has been deactivated.
It’s really important to ensure your car’s brakes are functioning properly for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Watch out for any indicators that there could be issues with your car’s brakes. Remember to schedule your next service appointment at Crain Kia of Fort Smith!
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.