3 Signs Your Mazda May Be Due for a Brake Inspection

Brake components wear down or become damaged over time, reducing braking efficiency. Worn brakes are dangerous as they can easily cause an accident. As your Mazda service center, we want you to know a few signs you need to visit us and get your brakes checked.

3 Signs You Need a Brake Inspection or Repair at Your Mazda Service Center

Illuminated Brake Warning Light

Your Mazda has at least two brake warning lights: a general warning light with BRAKE or P inside a circle and the ABS warning light, which has the letters ABS inside a circle. The ABS light will come on if there’s a problem affecting the anti-lock braking system, which prevents the wheels from locking when you brake, potentially causing a skid.

The general braking light is triggered when sensors in the braking system identify a problem. This can range from worn brake pads to low brake fluid or damaged rotors or other issues. The sensors inform your computer of the problem, and the computer activates the light to alert you. Any brake warning is potentially serious and needs immediate attention.

Screeching or Grinding

Brake pads have a rough material covering that generates friction against the rotors when you hit the brakes, and this friction stops the wheels. As time passes, the material wears thinner, which increases your braking distance and reduces braking speed. Each pad has a metal spike buried inside the material, which becomes visible when the pad needs replacement. This spike will scratch the rotor, producing a loud screeching noise as a warning that the pad needs replacement.

If a pad isn’t replaced when it’s worn down, the material covering will eventually disintegrate. Without the material as a buffer, the bare metal brake pad will clamp against the wheel rotor and grind grooves into its surface. These grooves can cause additional brake problems even when the pads are replaced. We’ll replace worn pads and check and repair damaged rotors.

Soft Brake Pedal

Brake fluid provides the hydraulic power that forces the brakes to engage and stop your Mazda. This fluid is highly pressurized, and it produces the resistance you feel when you push down on the brake pedal. A soft brake pedal is a situation where pressing down on the pedal produces very little resistance, and your brakes will be very slow to engage.

The fault is caused by either a brake fluid leak, which lowers the pressure in the braking system, or an air bubble or other blockage in the brake hoses. Our technicians will investigate and repair the leak or bleed the brakes to remove any blockage.

If your brakes aren’t working as well as they should be, contact us right away at Mazda City of Orange Park in Jacksonville, FL.

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