5 Underlying Causes of Brake Troubles

Brakes are one of the core safety features necessary for keeping you protected on the road. However, your braking system requires frequent care to avoid trouble. Fixing your brake issue requires you to address the problem at its source. Here is a look at the 5 most common causes of brake issues and what you can do about them.

You May Need a Brake Fluid Flush

Over time, your brake fluid becomes depleted and contaminated. Not only does this impact your brake functioning, but it can begin to corrode and rust the internal metal of your braking system. Your car needs a brake fluid flush every 2-years or 30,000 miles. You can read our guide to brake fluid flushing here.

Worn Brake Pad Problems

Your brake pads are the friction layer of material that presses against your rotors to slow and stop your vehicle. Over time, they wear away, leaving your brakes without the friction layer they need to function properly. Worn brake pads are one of the most common sources of braking troubles. Your vehicle needs new brake pads roughly every 40,000-50,000 miles, though this service will depend on your vehicle and driving patterns.

Warped Rotors

When you press down on the brake pedal, your brake pad presses against your rotors—providing the friction needed to stop your wheels. This friction generates heat, which makes your metal rotors malleable. It also provides the pressure needed to warp the metals. Once your rotors are warped, they will no longer provide the smooth surface needed for your brake friction. Warped rotors will require replacement services.

Worn Shocks and Struts

Each time you brake, your vehicle shifts its weight using its shocks and struts. When your driving and braking practices are controlled and steady, this weight is carefully distributed. However, turbulence on the road can impact weight distribution. Uneven distribution can throw off your braking and your vehicle suspension. Thankfully, worn shocks and struts can be easily replaced by a professional mechanic.

How Worn Tires Impact Your Brakes

While your brakes may stop your wheels from turning, your tires are responsible for stopping your car. Their tread grips the road to slow and stop your vehicle. When your tire tread is worn, it will be unable to efficiently and effectively brake. Worn tread can impact your braking time and the responsiveness of your vehicle. As you need to push your pedal down harder to compensate for worn tires, this can lead to accelerated braking troubles. Addressing worn tread requires you to purchase new tires.

Chapel Hill Tire Brake Service

Chapel Hill Tire has all of the services you need to keep your vehicle braking effectively. This includes local brake fluid changes, brake pad & rotor replacement, worn shocks & struts service, and—of course—new tires. Our 9 Triangle-area mechanics locations are stationed across Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro, and Apex. You can make your appointment here online or give our mechanics a call to get started today!