Brake Repair

Knowing what to look for, listen for and paying attention to the performance of your vehicle can assist in addressing potential problems that can occur. Learn how routine safety inspections can help give you peace of mind in knowing that you are safe. 

IS IT TIME FOR NEW BRAKES ON YOUR VEHICLE?

The brakes on your vehicle are likely the most common component you take for granted. When you need to stop or slow down, you step on the brake pedal without even questioning whether the brakes will fail or operate correctly. It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle when driving and get any braking issues resolved as quickly as possible. Here are some symptoms to be aware of that might indicate you need new brakes.

Lack Of Responsiveness

If your brake pedal isn’t responding the way it usually does or how you would expect it to, you could have a brake problem. This lack of responsiveness could mean it’s not stopping quickly enough, or you have to press the pedal all the way to the floor to get the vehicle to stop.

Does The Vehicle Pull One Way When Engaging The Brakes?

Another test you can do for your brake system is to take your hands off the steering wheel while driving and press the brake pedal gently. If the vehicle pulls one way or the other, it’s a clear sign you have a problem with the brakes and need to get the issue addressed immediately. 

Grinding Or Squealing Noises When Applying The Brakes

Grinding or squealing noises when applying the brakes are the most common symptoms of faulty or worn-out brakes. The good thing about these noises is they are very obvious to anyone who is in or around the vehicle so they won’t go unnoticed. Any time you hear these noises, you should have the vehicle checked out as soon as possible.

Vibrations In The Brakes

If your brake pedal or the steering wheel vibrates when you engage the brake pedal, it’s a sign of a brake issue. It’s easy to ignore this issue since it’s not making a loud noise and seemingly not impacting your brakes, but you should still have the issue addressed with a mechanic.

At DeBoer’s Auto, we tell our customers to look, listen, and feel when it comes to their brake system. Look at your wheels to see if there’s excessive brake dust on one or more. Listen for any unusual noises when you use the brakes as discussed. You can also feel the wheels after driving to see if one wheel is hotter than the other. If you are experiencing any issues with your brakes or would like more tips about how to maintain your vehicle, contact us at any time.

HOW MUCH WILL A COMPLETE BRAKE REPAIR JOB COST?

No one likes to hear their car is in need of repair or a parts replacement. However, if you are going to own a vehicle, you should expect to incur maintenance and repair costs along the way. Some repairs can be delayed without major ramifications. Others call for immediate action. One thing you definitely do not want to delay the needed repair or replacement of your brake system. If your brakes fail, the results can be catastrophic.

How Can I Tell If I Need Brakes or Brake Service?

If you’re observant, you’ll probably notice fairly quickly the signs something’s amiss with your car’s brakes. If you hear unusual noises when you brake, if the brake pedal feels “spongy” when you step on it or if it takes longer than usual for your car to come to a stop when you brake, it is time to visit a reputable repair shop for an evaluation. Some necessary car repairs can be delayed for a time without serious repercussions, but if your brakes need to be repaired, serviced or replaced, do not procrastinate.

What Factors Affect the Cost of New Brakes?

The price of a complete brake repair job or a brake replacement depends on your car’s year, make and model. The higher-end your vehicle, the more a brake job is likely to cost. The price of new brakes can range from $300 to more than $1,000. Quality, not price, should determine where you choose to have brake work performed. If you are in the market for brake repair in Sussex County, we encourage you to allow us to provide a quote. Unlike other bargain repair shops, Deboer’s Automotive:

• Uses the highest quality parts available
• Always replaces brake pads and brake rotors together
• Cleans up all the brackets and parts that must be smooth for proper brake operation
• Lubricates all moving parts
• Performs a brake fluid flush to ensure no dirt or moisture contaminates the brake fluid

Arguably, your car’s brakes are its most critical safety components. Do not skimp on brake service, repair or replacement.

What Is a Brake Fluid Flush?

If you’re interested in increasing the lifespan of your brakes and prolonging the expense of brake replacement, preventive maintenance is essential. Just as you’re diligent about having your oil and filter replaced according to your owner’s manual recommendations, make sure to take your car in for regular brake fluid flushes. Similar to an oil change, a brake fluid change involves removing existing brake fluid and moisture that has accumulated in your brake system from condensation. The old fluid is flushed out and replaced with fresh and clean fluid. A brake fluid flush will help ensure your brake system will perform optimally and your brake system components will last as long as possible.

If you suspect your vehicle’s brakes need repair or replacement, we encourage you to contact us at DeBoer’s Auto Sales & Service in Hamburg. Our team views each customer as an individual, and we know when you trust us to work on your car, you’re trusting us with your and your loved ones' safety.

UNDERSTANDING WHY YOUR VEHICLE’S ABS LIGHT IS ON

The ABS light and traction control system in your vehicle are essentially one in the same. So when there is an error in the system, your vehicle will likely turn on both of the lights to let you know there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. It can be intimidating or scary when you see these lights illuminate on your dashboard, but you can have some peace of mind driving your vehicle when you take it to a trustworthy mechanic as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to know about why your ABS light might be on.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH YOUR ABS SYSTEM?

There are many different reasons why your ABS light might come on in your vehicle. Sensors, the computer, wiring, pumps, motors, and many other components go into the ABS. If any one of those components needs maintenance, then your ABS light will come on. It’s very important to have your vehicle checked out when it comes on since it won’t be easy for you to tell how minor or major the issue is.

THE ABS LIGHT SIGNIFIES A SAFETY ISSUE

anti-lock-braking-system-(abs)Some manufacturers will illuminate all lights on the dashboard when the problem might only be with the ABS. This is done intentionally so it gets the attention of the driver that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Too many people continue driving with the “check engine” light on, which could be very dangerous to themselves and others. How dangerous it is depends on what component needs to be maintained, which is why taking it to a mechanic immediately is critical.

KEEP PEACE OF MIND WHILE DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

As a driver, you have to assume that the vehicle is not safe to drive when an ABS light or another light is illuminated on your dashboard. While some lights might come on as a malfunction, you should never assume that’s the case. The safety of the vehicle could be compromised when the ABS light is on, so it should be driven only in emergency situations until you can have a reputable mechanic look at it.

At DeBoer’s Auto, we want you to always have peace of mind when driving your vehicle. If any of the lights turn on in your vehicle, contact us right away and we will check it out as soon as possible.