Three Additional Common San Diego Brake Problems
In our previous blog, we discussed two major brake issues that gives drivers the blues. Here are 3 more San Diego brake problems that you should watch out for on your vehicle.
Excessive Brake Dust
If you are noticing thick levels of brake dust on your wheels, your vehicle will most likely need brake service. Why? Although small amounts of brake dust is to be expected, excessive brake dust can gradually cause problems to specific elements of a braking system, wheels, and tires.
Due to its composition, brake dust is corrosive. A disc pad that is wearing the metal of the rotor away causes this condition. When this mixture of metal & fiber flies from brake pads and adheres to brake parts, wheels and tires it is usually super-heated. Over time, continual exposure to these corrosives leads to rust, punctures, and other forms of wear.
Because high levels of brake dust can lead to unsafe driving conditions at high speeds driving, you would definitely want to get this checked before getting on the 405. Visit a local auto repair shop so that they can investigate your rotors and pads.
Excessive Wear
Sometimes drivers complain that they fix their brakes every few years. While driving style, frequency, and brake usage greatly influences how often brakes should be changed, excessive wear can be the product of other problems.
One cause that is often overlooked is old brake fluid. As brake fluid gets older it collects corrosion from brake lining and parts (effectively changing its color). These impurities in the fluid is like having pressurized sandpaper in your braking hydraulic system. Simply put: It causes a lot of problems the longer it remains. Make sure that when you get your next oil change that the mechanic checks your brake fluid.
Brakes Pulling to One Side
In cases where a driver applies the brakes and the vehicle pulls heavily on one side causing steering difficulties, usually one of the front brakes is not working. The pull occurs because the working brake is performing the full stopping function alone. There is no simple fix for this issue. A full brake system diagnostic is in order to locate the exact point of brake failure. Whatever the issue is, you should never drive a vehicle that is pulling to one side.
Are you having problems with your brakes? Give us a call at (858) 925-5359 or stop by our shop. We’ll give you an honest mechanic’s opinion.