Cadillac Brake Service in Tempe, AZ

You undoubtedly understand how important your brake system is to your safety on the road, which is why you should take regularly scheduled maintenance more seriously. Our Tempe Cadillac Service Center is here when you need quality, certified auto service. It may just be a quick brake inspection or it could be new brake pads, but our expert Cadillac mechanics will get the job done right and get you back on the road in no time.

IS IT TIME FOR NEW BRAKES?

SIGNS TO KNOW IT’S TIME FOR BRAKE REPAIR

Your car's brake system is there to help you come to a complete stop. Well-kept and maintained brakes are crucial for safety on the road. That's why it's alarming that many drivers still put off brake inspection and service when they know how important it is to have working brakes. Since you're constantly engaging the brakes on your Cadillac during your daily drives, you should know that there is a certain amount of wear and tear. All Cadillac drivers in Tempe should be aware of the warning signs and get their brake system checked if they notice any of them. But how do you know it’s time for repairs? How often should you get your brakes checked? Learning what to look for can help prevent accidents and keep service costs low.

Now, let’s dive into essential signs that your brakes need maintenance and what happens if you wait too long.

1. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT

   The first and easiest way to check if your vehicle needs brake service is to see if your warning light flicks on. Modern cars have this indicator that’ll show on the dash when there’s an issue with your braking system.

   The light could indicate something minor, like low brake fluid, or a crucial issue, like worn brake pads. Either way, it’s time to schedule service once the light shows.

   There's a reason a car's warning light comes on and if it does, don't ignore it!

2. VISIBLE WEAR AND TEAR

   Another telltale sign your brakes need service is visible wear and tear. Take a moment and check your brake pads through the spokes of your wheel.

   When a brake pad becomes worn out, the pads will be thinner than usual, which may mean metal is scraping against metal. If they are less than a quarter-inch thick, schedule an inspection.

3. DRIVEWAY PUDDLE

   A third way to check for brake repairs is to find a puddle under your car, specifically near your wheels. A puddle like this could indicate a brake fluid leak.

   Brake fluid is critical for your braking system, so schedule service to prevent loss of braking power.

4. UNRESPONSIVE PEDAL

   Does your brake pedal feel spongy or mushy, or do you need to slam on the brake for a complete stop? This soft response could make it difficult to engage them. If that's the case, you may notice your vehicle pulling to one side when you brake. That happens when your calipers are uneven. This issue could also be caused by the air in your brake lines or pads or a brake fluid leak.

5. EXTREMELY SENSITIVE OR INCENTIVE BRAKES

   If you have brakes that stop with a gentle touch, it could mean your rotors have worn unevenly, or you need to replace your brake fluid.

On the other hand, if your brake pedal needs to kiss the floor to stop, your brake pads are too thin or have low brake fluid.

Remember, a few signs you need brake fluid are puddles near your wheels, an unresponsive pedal, or sensitive/insensitive brakes!

6. STRANGE NOISES

   Lastly, you most likely have worn down brake pads if you hear grinding, squealing, or screeching when trying to stop. Your stopping power is reduced when your brakes wear out, which could be dangerous when you need to come to a sudden stop. If you don’t schedule repair services and the noise worsens, your brake pads are gone, and you need a replacement immediately.

7. VIBRATIONS

   If you feel vibrations through the pedal or steering wheel, it's a sign that your brakes have heated up too much and is indicative of serious problems with the rotor.

8. BAD ODORS

   If you apply the brakes and there's a bad odor, it means your brake system is not working properly and may be about to fail. Overheated brake pads lead to unreliable braking patterns, so it's especially important to get your brake system checked out if you notice a bad smell.

THE DAMAGE UNREPAIRED BRAKES CAUSE

The costs of brake service can vary. Here are some reasons why you should service sooner rather than later.

• Slow Response Time: If you put off any maintenance on your brakes, they could mess with your response time, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Damage to Your Tires: If you have worn-out brake pads, it could lead to unbalanced tires, leading to uneven wear, which ultimately means you’ll need new tires.
• Further Damage to Your Brakes: When one part starts to break, it could trickle down to other components. Think of your brake system as a domino set; one issue could lead to a whole set of trouble.

So, stop asking, “How long can you drive with bad brakes?” and schedule maintenance when something acts up.

IT’S TIME FOR SERVICE!

Your vehicle’s brakes are vital for safe drivers and knowing when there’s a problem can save you hundreds in the long run. If these warning signs are happening in your car or SUV, then bring your vehicle in to Coulter Cadillac Tempe for premium brake repair in Tempe, AZ. Our friendly and knowledgeable service staff is ready to get you the service you need! Our service staff has all the tools and training required to deliver quality Cadillac service in Tempe.

To schedule a service appointment at our Cadillac service center in Tempe, give us a call at (888) 216-3345 today!