Does Your Buick or GMC Need a Brake Repair? Signs to Look For

Screeching Sounds From the Brake Pads

It can be rather alarming to hear a sudden high-pitched screeching sound when you brake. However, there’s usually no reason to let screeching worry you. This sound is generated by design when a brake pad is almost worn out. If you have the noisy pad promptly replaced, your braking should become quiet once more. 

Rhythmic Vibrations From the Brake Rotors

Rotor discs are remarkably tough components that only wear down very slowly over time. However, rotors eventually become too thin, which makes them susceptible to damage, especially if they overheat from prolonged use. A warped or scored rotor will often create a rhythmic vibration that you might feel through the brake pedal or steering wheel. 

Longer Stopping Distances When Braking

If your brakes ever feel weaker, taking longer to slow your car when you press on the pedal, it’s best to pull over and try to figure out the underlying problem. Your car might have a brake fluid leak or the brakes might be overheating, which can sometimes temporarily lessen stopping power. Overheating can be caused by excessive continuous use of the brakes, such as when commuting in heavy stop-and-go traffic or when driving on downhill stretches of road.

Car Pulling to One Side When Braking

When a brake problem weakens the stopping power on just one side of a car, it can cause the vehicle to pull to the opposite side when the brakes are applied. This negatively impacts your handling and should be repaired at once. 

Metallic Grinding Sounds From the Brakes

When a brake pad becomes completely worn out, the metal casing layer can start to scrape directly against the rotor. This creates loud grinding sounds and means the rotor might rapidly become damaged. 

Soft or Spongy-Feeling Brake Pedal 

If brake fluid starts to leak from a brake line, you’re likely to sense a certain soft sponginess when you press on the brake pedal. With a leak, your stopping power is weakened and the leak should be located and fixed without delay. 

Book Routine Brake Servicing at Your GMC Dealership

Regular servicing at your local dealership is a vital component of good brake maintenance. It’s generally recommended to have car brakes serviced twice a year. For some drivers who put their brakes under more strain than usual by commuting every day in urban traffic or towing heavy trailers at the weekend, the brake servicing interval might need to be more frequent. 

Visit Coughlin GM of Circleville in Circleville, OH, today to have your brakes promptly serviced and repaired. We’re an award-winning local dealership dedicated to providing the very best vehicle options, financing support, and customer care. 

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