You wouldn’t want bad brakes to ruin your drive one day. As unlikely as brake failure is, neglected brakes do occasionally lose stopping power. For your safety, here are the early warning signs that your car needs immediate brake service at your local Kia dealership.
Noisy Brake Pedals
A little squeaking may mean there’s rust or moisture on one of your brake pads. If this noise persists, a pad might also be telling you it’s time for a replacement.
Grinding noises are worse than squeaking, indicating direct metal-on-metal contact. If your brake pads become noisy, you can peer between the wheel spokes to judge how thick each pad is; anything less than a quarter of an inch means the pad is worn out.
Pulsating Rotor Disc
When you press the brake pedal, if you feel pulsating vibrations, one of your rotors may be damaged. A thinning rotor can sometimes warp out of shape, especially when weakened by excessive heat. Vibrations will also be generated by a rotor that’s been scored by an overly worn brake pad. Technicians will typically throw out a damaged rotor, although rotors can sometimes be resurfaced for a little more mileage.
Leaking Brake Lines
Your brake lines contain brake fluid, which must be kept at a certain level and pressure. If a damaged line allows brake fluid to leak out, air will seep in. This air compresses when the brakes are applied, creating a spongy sensation and weakening the stopping signal. This is hazardous; a brake fluid leak must be repaired at once.
If your brakes feel soft and spongy, pull over and check under your car. You may see an amber-colored fluid dripping near one of your wheels. Brake fluid can also sometimes be blue, red, or green. Also, check the transparent brake fluid reservoir to see if the level is low.
Fading Stopping Power
Less responsive brakes are the most dangerous warning sign. Here, your brakes are effectively starting to fail. If your car’s stopping distances seem to be lengthening, pull over as soon as you can. Your weakening brakes are either overheating and experiencing brake fade or suffering from a more serious fault. Ask a technician to diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible.
Blinking Brake Warning Light
Your instrument panel will usually let you know if your brakes need attention. Never ignore the brake warning light.
Book Routine Brake Service at Your Kia Dealership
You can keep your brakes in great shape with biannual brake inspections. If you routinely commute in heavy stop-and-go traffic, your brakes are under more pressure, and you may need inspections three or four times a year instead.
Arrange a suitable brake-servicing schedule today at All Star Kia East in Denham Springs, LA.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
