Preventive maintenance is a crucial aspect of keeping your vehicle on the road. One of the most important parts to keep in tip-top shape is your brakes. As your local Nissan dealer, we’re here to give you all the knowledge you need to keep your brakes (and your ride) as healthy as can be. To that end, here are six signs you may need a brake repair.
1. Squealing or Squeaking Brakes
One of the easiest signs to notice is squealing, squeaking, or otherwise noisy brakes. These indicate that your brakes have worn through the friction material on the pads and are now contacting the brake rotors. Simply replacing the brake pads is much cheaper than having to replace the rotors, so bring your car in soon if you hear this.
2. Brake Warning Lights
If your brake warning lights come on, it’s a sign that your Nissan is due for regular maintenance (or that there’s a potential problem). Make sure to consult your Nissan’s service manual to determine the cause of these indicators, then schedule your appointment here at Auffenberg Nissan to get it taken care of right away.
3. Grinding Sounds When Braking
If you made it past squeaking and squealing and are now hearing grinding sounds from your brakes, it is time to seek service ASAP. Grinding indicates that the brake pads have completely worn through and that the metal parts of your brakes and rotors are now rubbing together. This is a safety hazard that, if left unchecked, can cause your brakes to lock up.
4. Car Pulling to One Side When Braking
Another sure sign that your brakes need to be checked is your Nissan pulling to one side when you brake. This indicates uneven wear in your brake pads and should be checked here at your local shop for potential replacement. Another cause of this could be foreign matter in your brake fluid, which likely requires draining and replacement.
5. Slow Braking Response
If your car isn’t braking like it used to, this could mean that there’s a leak in your braking system or that heat and friction over time have worn down your brake pads. This is another sign that should be addressed ASAP as it can quickly become a safety hazard
6. Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is necessary for brakes to function properly. Over time this fluid can leak or become corrupted with foreign materials. It’s a good idea to check your fluid levels often and pay attention to any leaks under your car after driving. If you see what you believe to be brake fluid under your parked Nissan, schedule an appointment with us to get it checked out.
Time to get your brakes back in perfect working order? Contact us at Auffenberg Nissan in Shiloh, IL to schedule your next service appointment today.
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