Your Chevy’s brakes are critical in keeping you safe behind the wheel of your Malibu, Equinox, or Silverado. That is why regular brake services from the qualified technicians at your Chevy dealer are vital to ensure your brakes are working correctly. Below are ways to tell when your Chevy needs a brake repair to avoid complete brake failure.
Illuminated Brake System Warning Lights
When your Chevy’s brake system warning lights go on, there’s something wrong with your car’s brakes. Get your vehicle to your dealer as soon as possible for repairs.
Visible Brake Pad Wear
Check the thickness of your brake pads regularly. Ideally, brake pads should be thicker than 6.4 mm to work effectively. If the pads look worn and are lower than 4 mm, it’s best to replace them.
Squeaking Sounds
Squeaks and squeals mean your brake pads are getting thin. The high-pitched sounds are from the metal wear indicators built into the brake pads, warning you that the pads are worn and need replacing.
Grinding Noises
If you don’t replace the brake pads when you hear the high-pitched squeals, they will wear down further and make horrible grinding noises. The bare metal of the worn brake pads is scraping against the rotors, causing damage that will lead to higher repair costs.
Pulling to the Side
Your car will pull to the left or right when the brake pads are worn unevenly. One side of a pad might be more worn than the other, but damaged or broken brake parts or dirty and contaminated brake fluid could also cause your car to veer to the side.
Brake Pedal Vibrations
If you apply the brakes and feel vibrations through the pedal, it could be warped rotors not making proper contact with the brake pads, dirty brake pads, or worn components. Get it checked out by your Chevy technician ASAP.
Brake Fluid Leaks
Yellow or brown pools on the ground under your car could be from a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak is a serious problem that needs repairs fast. A lack of brake fluid will severely impact your car’s braking performance and could lead to complete brake failure.
Unresponsive Brakes
Low brake fluid or leaks will cause your brakes to be unresponsive. It will take your car longer to slow down and stop when you step on the brakes, severely impacting your braking ability and safety.
Burning Odors
Overheating brakes caused by excessive use, worn brake pads, or malfunctioning parts will give off a burning odor. Avoid driving when your brakes are overheating. Pull over, and while you wait for your brakes to cool down, call your dealer for a brake system repair.
Regular brake inspections at the factory-recommended maintenance intervals are critical to ensure your Chevy’s brake system works properly. Call Toliver Brothers today if your car shows any of the above brake problems. The qualified Chevrolet technicians will perform your brake repair in Ballinger, TX and ensure you have all the stopping power you need.
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