Category: Brakes

Brake Repair Signs

Ensuring your vehicle’s safety goes hand in hand with proper maintenance; few systems are as crucial as your brakes. A fully functional brake system is essential for protecting you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Recognizing the early signs of brake problems can save you from expensive repairs and, more importantly, prevent dangerous situations. At Auto Clinic of Franklin, we emphasize the importance of understanding these warning signs so that you can address issues promptly and avoid major problems down the road.

Here’s what you need to know to identify brake problems early and keep your vehicle safe.

1. Squealing or Grinding Noises

One of the most common early signs of brake trouble is unusual noises when you apply the brakes. A high-pitched squealing sound typically indicates that your brake pads are worn out and need replacing. Most modern brake pads are equipped with a small metal indicator that produces this squeal as a warning that the pads are nearing the end of their lifespan.

However, if you hear a grinding sound, it’s a sign that the brake pads may have worn down completely, causing the metal of the calipers to grind against the rotors. This can cause significant damage to the rotors, leading to more expensive repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. If you experience grinding noises, getting your brakes inspected as soon as possible is crucial.

2. Vibration or Pulsation in the Brake Pedal

Another common symptom of brake problems is a vibrating or pulsating brake pedal, especially when applying pressure. This usually indicates warped rotors. Rotors can warp due to excessive heat caused by hard braking over time, especially if your vehicle carries heavy loads or tows frequently. When rotors warp, they do not provide a smooth surface for the brake pads to press against, leading to the pulsing sensation.

Driving with warped rotors can lead to less effective braking, which could become dangerous in an emergency stop situation. Warped rotors should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to maintain braking efficiency.

3. Longer Stopping Distances

If you notice that your vehicle takes longer than usual to stop, this is a serious red flag. Reduced braking performance could be the result of several issues, such as worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or even air in the brake lines.

Longer stopping distances can significantly increase your risk of collisions, especially in situations where quick braking is required. If you’re experiencing this problem, it’s important to have your brakes checked immediately to diagnose the issue and get it resolved before it leads to an accident.

4. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy when pressed can indicate a problem within the hydraulic brake system, such as air bubbles trapped in the brake lines, or it could point to a failing master cylinder. These issues can cause a loss of brake pressure, which reduces the effectiveness of your braking system.

When the brake pedal is soft, it may sink to the floor with little resistance, and this can result in the brakes not engaging properly. Soft brakes should be addressed urgently, as they can lead to a dangerous loss of stopping power.

5. Warning Lights

Most modern vehicles are equipped with dashboard warning lights that indicate issues within the braking system. The most common light is the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light. If this light comes on, it means that there’s an issue with the anti-lock braking system, which could affect your vehicle’s stability in slippery or emergency braking situations.

Additionally, some vehicles have a general brake system warning light that can signal anything from low brake fluid levels to a more severe system malfunction. Don’t ignore these warning lights—if they appear, have your brakes checked by a professional as soon as possible to ensure your system is functioning correctly.

6. Pulling to One Side When Braking

If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, this can indicate uneven wear in the brake pads, a stuck caliper, or a collapsed brake hose. Not only does pulling reduce braking efficiency, but it can also make your vehicle harder to control, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in emergency situations.

When the brakes pull to one side, it means that one side of the braking system is working harder than the other, causing uneven stopping power. This imbalance should be corrected immediately by a professional to avoid further damage to the braking components and ensure safe driving conditions.

Conclusion

Brake problems can escalate quickly, turning what starts as a minor inconvenience into a dangerous and costly issue. Regular maintenance and attention to warning signs are essential for keeping your brakes in optimal condition. By staying alert to the early signs of brake trouble—such as squealing or grinding noises, soft pedals, and pulling while braking—you can address problems early and avoid compromising your vehicle’s safety.

At Auto Clinic of Franklin, we are committed to providing high-quality brake services that ensure your vehicle remains safe and road-ready. Whether you need a routine brake inspection, pad replacement, or more extensive repairs, our experienced technicians are here to help.

Don’t wait until a small brake issue turns into a big problem. If you’re experiencing any signs of brake trouble, contact Auto Clinic of Franklin today. Fill out the form below or give us a call to schedule your brake service appointment. Your safety is our priority, and we’re here to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

One of the most important components of any vehicle is that of your brakes. High performing brakes are essential to the performance and safety of every vehicle on the road. Brake pads, after every 50,000 miles, should typically be replaced. However, not every vehicle is the same which means it is important to be on alert for any warning signs that indicate that your vehicle may be in need of new brakes. The team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to share some of these warning signs with you.

SIGNS THAT NEW BRAKE PADS ARE NEEDED FOR YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some common indicators that it may be time to install new brakes on your vehicle.

• A loud screeching sound emitted from your brakes – If you here ongoing squealing or screeching sounds coming from your brakes, then rest assured it’s time to replace them. Brakes that squeak consistently should be evaluated by one of our professionals here at Auto Clinic of Franklin as soon as possible.
• A metal grinding sound – If you notice a metallic grinding sound coming from your brakes this is typically a surefire indicator that it’s time to replace the brake pads. If you hear this sound, be sure to get your vehicle down to our trusted facility right away since delaying can result in much more costly damage and repairs.
• Brake pedal is vibrating – If you are finding it difficult to stop your vehicle without feeling a vibration when you press down on the brakes, then sure enough you are in need of new brakes. When the brakes vibrate it is an indicator that the brake pads are worn out. When you feel these vibrations, you need to have your vehicle checked immediately.
• Pads appear very thin – To check out your pads, look between the wheel spokes and locate the pad which is on the rotor of the tire. If it looks like they are less than a quarter inch thick, they absolutely need to be replaced. Bring your vehicle to our skilled automotive techs, who will take care of your every need.

YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST THE PROS HERE AT AUTO CLINIC OF FRANKLIN

One simple way to prolong the life span of your brakes is having your tires rotated at minimum twice per year. Tire rotation keeps one specific area of your tires from wearing down. The team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to be sure our clients understand how important it is to ensure that your brake pads are performing at peak levels and working effectively. You can accomplish this simple task by having your pads changed regularly thereby preventing any serious brake damage from occurring.

Our team greatly encourages clients to be proactive with the care and maintenance of their vehicles. Routine maintenance not only contributes to an extended life span of your vehicle, but will also help your pocketbook. If you want your brake pads inspected, are in need of new pads, or are in need of routine maintenance, an oil change, muffler services or a wide range of other automotive services, then we are definitely the team for you. Simply come on down to our trusted facility here in Franklin and let our team of highly skilled and experienced technicians take care of all your automotive needs. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with only the highest quality automotive parts and services this side of Franklin! Don’t delay. Be sure to call and schedule your automotive service appointment today.

Most drivers are not familiar with the signs and indicators of failing brakes.  Often times people are driving vehicles that require new brakes, but are entirely unaware.  Failing brakes are dangerous, which is why the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin want to take this time to acquaint our valued customers with signs that indicate it may very well be time to install a new brake system.

Install A New Brake System

In a world congested with auto shops and repair facilities, choosing the right automotive service and repair shop can be both challenging and confusing.  With that said, the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin takes a great deal of pride in our years of dedicated service to our valued clients and in providing all of our customers with only the highest quality products and services.  Our team of professionals strives to provide our clients with all the data and insight they need to better understand their vehicles and their vehicle needs, which includes recognizing the signs that your brakes may be failing and a new brake system is needed.

In our efforts to assist our clients, we here at Auto Clinic of Franklin have put together this quick and easy list of indicators that will help you to know when and if you are in need of new brakes for your vehicle.  If you recognize any of these signs or indicators, then don’t delay, but rather reach out to our team of friendly automotive specialists here at Auto Clinic of Franklin to schedule your brake service and install today.

 INDICATORS THAT IT MAY BE TIME TO INSTALL NEW BRAKES

Here are some of the most common signs you should be on the lookout for:

• The presence of a screeching, grinding or squeaking noise
•  A dashboard braking system warning light has come on
•  Consistent vibration or wobbling when you apply your vehicle’s brakes
•  Fluid leaking
•  Your car tends to pull to one side when applying your brakes
•  An up and down bouncing when you come to a short, quick stop
•  A noticeable burning smell when driving your vehicle.

If you have noticed any of the above-mentioned indicators with your current braking system, then be sure to reach out to our automotive specialists today.  Our techs are on hand to answer all your questions, address any concerns you may have and offer insight on the source of your problem as well as necessary solutions.

THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

The friendly, qualified automotive experts here at Auto Clinic of Franklin take pride in our high marketplace presence and are steadfast in their efforts to maintain our high customer satisfaction rating and our overall industry presence.  We use only state of the art products and the newest technologies and offer top-rated services that will simply not be matched by any of our competitors.  In addition, we offer affordable prices and timelines that are accommodating to your individual needs.

Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin we value our highly reputable team of technicians who are dedicated to ensuring the overall happiness and satisfaction of all our clients.  We know full well there are a vast number of automotive facilities you can choose from, but want to assure you that when you choose us, you are putting your trust into the hands of some of the absolute best in the industry.

If you are in need of a new brake system, or any other automotive repairs or services, then we are the team for you.  Simply give a shout out to one of our technicians today and schedule your repair or service appointment.  We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the best all round automotive services this side of Tennessee!

Most people lack the knowledge needed to know when their vehicle is in need of a new brake system.  Without the proper knowledge and know how, many drivers actually put themselves in harm’s way when they do not give prime attention to unfamiliar sounds or feelings generated by their vehicle’s brakes.  Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin we take tremendous pride in our top of the line automotive services and that includes inspection, repair and replacement of any type of vehicle brake system.  With that said, we want to take this time to offer our valued clients important information needed about if and when to install new brakes.

Today there are a great many automotive shops and repair facilities that provide clients with all their automotive needs and surely choosing the ideal automotive shop can be a huge challenge.  However, here in Franklin, the professionals at Auto Clinic of Franklin have come to be known as your ‘go to’ shop for all your automotive needs.

Our friendly, licensed techs are committed and dedicated to providing top-rated products and services to all our clients.  Our team of experts works with all our clients to help them recognize, identify and understand all types of automotive problems, needs and solutions.  Equipped with the right information and knowledge, individuals are able to recognize varied automotive issues and schedule repairs needed in a timely fashion so as not to contribute to more costly problems down the road.

We here at Auto Clinic of Franklin take great pride in serving all our clients and are steadfast in maintaining our very high customer service and customer satisfaction rating by providing our clients with up and coming auto services they may need.  We have taken the time to put together some important indicators to help our clients know when it is time to invest in a new brake system for their vehicle.

First up is the presence of loud squeaking noises or a loud screeching sound that you notice when you are applying your brakes.  This is typically a surefire indication that it’s time for new brakes.  You may notice when applying your brakes that your vehicle does not come to a complete stop, but rather continues to move forward a bit.  This usually means that your pads or rotors, or both, are in need of replacement.

Yet another common sign and indeed an obvious sign is that of a dashboard indicator light that comes on warning that there may be an issue with your brake system.  You should never ignore your dashboard lights, but instead, bring your vehicle down to our trusted automotive clinic here in Franklin and let our technicians perform an inspection to identify problems and provide you with your repair options.

A final simple fact about if and when you need to install a new brake system, is to bring your vehicle in for a routine inspection and check up every 28,000-30,000 miles.  Brakes typically last for near to 30,000 miles, but often times need adjusting or additional services at this mileage marker.

At Auto Clinic of Franklin, we not only offer the highest quality automotive products and services, but we are proud of our affordable prices and our accommodating timelines as well.  If you are in need of a new brake system for your vehicle, or any other automotive parts, services or repairs, then surely you have come to the right place.  Reach out to the friendly technicians here at Auto Clinic of Franklin and schedule your repair or maintenance appointment today.  We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the best all round automotive products and services this side of Tennessee!