Whenever you apply the brakes, a whopping 800 to 2,000 pounds per square inch of pressure is applied in order to stop your car. This enormous pressure steadily wears down even the toughest of brake components. If you notice the following signs of worn-out brakes, it’s best to visit your nearest Mitsubishi dealer at once for brake repair.
Reduced Deceleration
Healthy brakes should promptly slow you down or stop you when you press the pedal. If you ever realize your car isn’t decelerating as readily, it’s best to pull over, as driving with unresponsive brakes is dangerous.
You may find that your brakes are less effective because of overheating. When brakes are used continually for a long period, such as in heavy traffic, they can sometimes overheat. Overheating can lead to a sudden loss of friction called brake fade.
Leaking Brake Fluid
Any oil or fluid pooling under your car is a bad sign. If you ever notice a transparent oily fluid puddling near your wheels or gathering in the wheel wells, you may have a brake fluid leak on your hands.
If a brake fluid line leaks, hydraulic pressure is reduced and the affected brake caliper will no longer be able to apply as much force. This makes it very dangerous to drive.
Tugging to One Side
When part of a car’s braking mechanism malfunctions, it usually affects one side of the car more than the other. As a result, you might find your car pulling to one side when you brake. The side you pull to will usually be the opposite of the side that’s experiencing the loss of braking force.
Screeching Sounds
A screeching sound when braking isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. Brake pads are designed to emit a screeching noise when it’s time to replace them. This warning sound lets you know you should visit your local dealership for a new pad, though.
Grinding Sounds
If you hear metallic grinding when you brake, the problem may be more urgent. When a brake pad wears down too far, the pad’s upper friction layer disappears and the grinding you hear is metal scraping directly on the metal of the rotor disc. This can rapidly damage the rotor.
Vibrating Pedal or Steering Wheel
When a rotor disc becomes warped by age or damaged by the brake pad, you may feel vibrations through the steering wheel or brake pedal when you brake. The damaged rotor will need to be resurfaced or replaced.
How Often To Visit Your Mitsubishi Dealer for Brake Service
In addition to keeping an eye out for the aforementioned signs of brake trouble, it’s important to periodically visit your local dealership for brake service. It’s generally recommended to have your brakes checked every 10,000 miles. For the sake of convenience, many drivers ask the technician to check their brakes when they have an oil change twice a year.
Have your car’s brakes inspected and repaired today by experienced professionals at Heritage Mitsubishi-Morrow. We’re proud to provide the thriving community of Morrow with excellent cars and personalized vehicle service.
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