Faulty brakes account for 22% of road accidents when the collision is caused by malfunctioning vehicle parts (which is fortunately only 2% of total car crashes). Despite the rarity of catastrophic brake failure, it’s still every driver’s nightmare. Avoid becoming part of these statistics by taking your car in for brake servicing twice a year and responding to the following seven signs that your Mazda needs brake repair.
Faulty brakes account for 22% of road accidents when the collision is caused by malfunctioning vehicle parts (which is fortunately only 2% of total car crashes). Despite the rarity of catastrophic brake failure, it’s still every driver’s nightmare. Avoid becoming part of these statistics by taking your car in for brake servicing twice a year and responding to the following seven signs that your Mazda needs brake repair.
Car Tugging to One Side
Brake problems rarely appear on both sides of a car at once, so when a fault does occur, you may find your car pulling to the left or right. The car will veer to the side with stronger brake force, so the fault is likely to be on the opposite side.
Reduced Stopping Power
If your car suddenly has lessened overall stopping power, your brakes have a serious problem. Calmly pull over as safely as you can and don’t drive again until you’re sure the problem has been resolved. Your brakes may have overheated, which can sometimes temporarily reduce friction between the brake pads and rotors.
Burning Smells While Braking
When overheating, brakes may emit a burning smell. If a strong smell of burning follows a period when you’ve used your brakes excessively, pull over before your brakes start to fade.
Spongy-Feeling Brake Pedal
When brake fluid leaks, it can cause the brake pedal to become soft and spongy. This sensation results from reduced hydraulic pressure inside the leaking brake line. It’s dangerous to drive with leaking brake fluid; ask a technician to find and fix the leak as soon as possible.
Screeching or Grinding Noises
If your brakes become noisy, you might need a new brake pad. Brake pads usually emit a screeching sound when they’re nearly finished and a metallic grinding sound if the friction layer disappears altogether. Grinding might also be caused by caliper problems.
Odd Vibrations When You Brake
If a rotor in your braking mechanism becomes scored or warped out of shape, the irregular surface will generate vibrations whenever the brake pad presses against it. You may feel these vibrations through the steering wheel and brake pedal.
Your Mazda Dealer Recommends New Brake Parts
As mentioned before, you should ideally have your brakes examined by a professional every six months. During each inspection, the technician can dismantle and examine each brake component and let you know if repairs or replacements are required.
Visit Auffenberg Mazda of O’Fallon in Shiloh, IL, for brake servicing and repair. We’re a locally trusted dealership providing the region’s drivers with excellent cars, deals, financing, maintenance, and customer care.
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