5 Signs Your Mazda Needs a Brake Repair

Brakes are the unsung heroes of your car, working hard to ensure that you stop on a dime every time you press the pedal. However, if you neglect to properly maintain your brakes, that stopping precision may one day diminish. Along with routine brake inspections at your local Mazda dealer, it’s crucial to get brake repair promptly carried out at any indication of trouble. Here are five key warning signs to look out for. 

5 Signs Your Mazda Needs a Brake Repair

Your Brake Pads Are Squealing

Brakes occasionally emit squealing sounds for various reasons. Sometimes, this noise means there’s a little water on the brake pads, in which case the noise won’t last. If the squealing persists, your brakes might have a rust issue. 

More commonly, squealing points to a worn-out brake pad, which is designed to make this noise to let you know it’s time for a new pad. If you hear metallic grinding sounds, one of your pads might have lost its upper friction layer altogether, which means it’s causing damage to the rotor and needs to be replaced immediately. 

Your Rotor Discs Are Pulsing 

Most rotors are made from cast iron or even stronger materials and tend to last a very long time. However, overheating or excessive use can weaken a rotor and cause it to warp or become scored by the brake pad. If this happens, you may feel a rhythmic pulsing through the brake pedal and steering wheel as a brake pad presses against a malformed rotor. 

Your Calipers Are Clattering 

The calipers serve as the casing for each braking mechanism. If one of the pistons inside a caliper seizes or a loose bolt, pin, or stone becomes trapped in the caliper, you might hear it clattering or grinding when you brake. 

Your Brake Pedal Feels Spongy

Any soft or spongy sensation to the brake pedal may point to leaking brake fluid. This means optimal hydraulic pressure has been lost inside one of the brake lines and your car will no longer stop as promptly. Never continue to drive if you suspect leaking brake fluid. 

Your Brakes Are Overheating

Towing heavy trailers, descending steep mountain roads, winding through hills, and navigating busy city traffic all require continuous braking. This can sometimes cause brakes to reach enormous temperatures and overheat, which may lead to brake fade. 

The phenomenon of brake fade temporarily reduces the friction necessary to stop a car. If your brakes seem to suddenly weaken, pull over safely and allow them to cool down. If the problem continues when your brakes are cool, ask a trusted technician to take a look. 

Have Your Brakes Inspected at Your Mazda Dealer

Regular brake inspection is the flip side of the brake maintenance coin. It’s advisable to have your brakes inspected at your local dealer twice a year; our technicians can let you know how safe your brakes currently are to use and quickly repair or replace worn-out parts. 

Visit Royal Moore Mazda in Hillsboro, OR, today to have your brakes examined by experienced professionals. Our locally owned and operated dealership provides consistently high-quality customer care, whatever your automobile needs may be. 

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