Does Your Buick or GMC Need a Brake Repair?
You Spot Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid maintains hydraulic pressure inside the brake mechanism and hoses. This hydraulic pressure allows your foot on the pedal to exert enough force through the master cylinder to clamp the calipers and stop your two-ton vehicle. When brake hoses spring a leak, fluid escapes, air gets in, and hydraulic pressure plummets.
This is extremely dangerous as your foot on the pedal will no longer be exerting enough force to properly stop your car. If you notice a yellow or yellowy-brown liquid pooling in your wheel wells or on the ground near your wheels, you might have a brake fluid leak. Never drive a car with leaking brake hoses until they’re repaired.
Your Fluid Is Too Low or Old
Over time, brake fluid ages, diminishes, and fills with contaminating particles and moisture. As this worsens, you’ll gradually feel your brake pedal feel softer and spongier, and your car won’t be stopping as promptly.
You can check the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. If the fluid looks low or very dark and dirty in color, have it flushed out and renewed. When the fluid is too low or old, you’re also likely to see the anti-lock braking system warning light come to life on your dashboard.
Your Brakes Are Overheating
If your daily commute requires long periods in heavy stop-and-go traffic, your brakes are at risk of overheating. With extreme overheating, it’s possible for the brake function to temporarily reduce.
This worrying phenomenon is called brake fade. If it occurs, pull over at once to a safe place and allow your brakes to cool back down.
You Hear Strange Sounds While Braking
Fully functioning brakes should be relatively silent when applied. If you hear loud squealing, you probably have a brake pad that needs replacing. Any clattering or grinding sounds usually mean something is loose or trapped inside the caliper.
Your Brake Pedal Is Vibrating
The rotors in a Buick or GMC’s vehicle brakes are remarkably durable. But extreme overheating can cause any rotor to become scored, warped, or coated in resin from a melting brake pad.
If this happens, you’re likely to feel a rhythmic pulsing or vibrating through the brake pedal. The malfunctioning rotor will need to be resurfaced or replaced.
Have Brakes Serviced Often at Your Local GMC Dealer
The more frequent your brake servicing visits, the less likely you are to ever experience these brake-related issues. Under ordinary driving conditions, it’s best to have brakes serviced twice a year and brake fluid flushed every two years.
Visit Stone Chevy Buick GMC to have your brakes serviced or repaired today.
Connect with us
