You never know when you will need your brakes, so want to be sure they will perform when you need them. If they squeak, grind, feel too hard or too soft, if your brake light comes on, or if your car pulsates when you come to a stop, that’s the time to have them checked.
Regular brake inspections should be part of your vehicle’s ongoing maintenance program; at a minimum your braking system should have a thorough inspection at least once a year. If you have your car serviced at Garry’s, you can be assured that we will visually inspect your vehicles brakes every time your car comes into the shop. Our service technicians are brake experts who use high-quality brake components for all brake work performed in the shop. We don’t cut corners and we don’t compromise when it comes to the safety of you and your family. From the brake pedal to hydraulic brake fluid, brake master cylinder to power brake booster, drum brakes to disc brakes and electronic anti-lock brake sensors, we know your vehicles braking system inside out.
Q: Why do my brakes squeak?
A: Brakes squeak for a variety of reasons.Often it’s harmless — the result of something like temporary moisture in the brake pads. But continuous squeals or grinding sounds should be taken very seriously as they may signal the need for new brake pads or shoes. Worn brakes can mean longer stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. And rotors and drums that wear too thin can even become over-stressed to the point of cracking or breaking.
If you hear squealing or grinding, have your brakes checked right away. And even if you don’t hear squealing or grinding, have your brakes inspected once a year. It’s essential to be proactive about your brakes as regular service and, when appropriate, simple brake adjustments and repairs can make a real difference in your car’s safety.
Q: My brake pedal feels really soft and spongy. Is this normal?
A: It is not normal, and it’s definitely not good. A very low or spongy pedal means that there may likely be air in the hydraulic lines of your car’s brake system, which can create low hydraulic pressure. If the hydraulic pressure gets too low, your car’s brake pads or shoes may no longer be able to apply enough force and friction to safely stop your car. An immediate inspection of your car’s brake system is strongly advised.