Every year, 5% of all US road accidents are caused by brake failure. All vehicle brakes undergo a great deal of wear and tear through natural usage. If brakes aren’t properly maintained and problems aren’t immediately addressed, they can lose the ability to properly slow and stop your car. So to keep yourself safe on the roads, the following six brake issues should prompt a quick visit to your local Subaru dealer for brake repair.
High-Pitched Squeaking Sounds
Most drivers are familiar with a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound when they brake. This noise might point to a worn-out brake pad that needs to be replaced as brake pads are designed to emit this warning sound when the friction layer becomes too thin.
Alternatively, squeaking can be caused by debris, dust, rust, or water on the pads. If the squeaking persists for more than a few miles of driving, have a technician take a look.
Metallic Grinding Sounds
When brake pads wear down too far, the metal layer can start scraping directly on the rotor, causing a loud metallic grinding sound. In this case, the worn-out brake pad needs to be replaced at once before the rotor becomes seriously damaged.
Vibrating Pedal or Steering Wheel
When a rotor becomes scored by a brake pad or warped by overheating, you’re likely to feel a strange vibrating or wobbling sensation through either the brake pedal or steering wheel. A damaged rotor can occasionally be repaired with resurfacing but you might also need to replace it.
Spongy, Unresponsive Brakes
If you press the brake pedal, and it feels spongy or soft, you might have leaking brake fluid. When a brake hose springs a leak, the necessary hydraulic force inside the hoses is reduced. This means your foot on the pedal can no longer send as much force to the caliper.
It’s a very dangerous situation that might even lead to brake failure if not promptly addressed. If you have spongy brakes, pull over and search under your car and wheel wells for a dripping oily yellow or brown fluid.
Pulling to One Side
Brake problems frequently cause the car to pull slightly to one side when you brake. This is because a wheel on only one side of your car has lost a degree of stopping power.
Brake Light Comes On
Modern Subaru cars have advanced and reliable computerized sensors throughout their braking mechanisms. So if a brake problem ever develops, the first thing you’re likely to notice is the brake light coming to life on your dashboard.
How a Subaru Dealer Inspects Your Brakes
When you take your car in for brake servicing, the technician will test your brakes and examine the hoses for signs of leaking fluid. They’ll remove the wheels in order to carefully examine each caliper, rotor, drum, shoe, and brake pad for signs of trouble. They can then repair or replace any faulty parts and also let you know how much longer you can expect each component to last.
Have your brakes checked and repaired today by qualified professionals at Stevens Creek Subaru. Our talented, experienced, well-trained staff are dedicated to providing top-notch customer satisfaction.
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