Your braking system, like any other mechanical system, needs to be serviced regularly. Parts can wear out, lubrication can dry up, and the system can start to fail. As your Mazda dealer in Jacksonville, FL, we provide full service for your brakes. We’d like to tell you about some of the signs that you’re due for a brake service.
Signs You Need a Brake Service at Your Mazda Dealer
Your Brakes Screech
Screeching brakes are a sign that your brake pads have worn down. The brake pads fit into the brake calipers. When you hit the brakes, hydraulic pressure from the brake fluid forces the calipers to clamp against your wheel rotors. The friction generated by this will bring your Mazda to a stop. To generate extra friction, your brake pads are covered with friction material.
This material slowly wears down as you use your brakes. The material covering is 1/2″ thick, and will gradually degrade until it needs to be replaced. When your pads are 1/4″ thick, a metal spike becomes visible. The next time you use your brakes, this spike will scratch against the wheel rotors. The resulting screeching sound means that it’s time to change your pads.
Grinding Noises
If the pads aren’t replaced when they start screeching, they’ll continue to wear out. Once the friction covering has worn off, the bare metal of the brake pads will strike the rotors when you brake. The metal brake pads will scour the wheel rotors, and this can lead to serious damage. The wheel rotors need to be smooth and flat to provide the best service for your brakes to work.
When you hear grinding noises, the surface of your rotors is being damaged. You must bring your car to our service department ASAP. Our technicians will replace your pads and assess the level of damage to the rotors. Serious damage to the rotors may require that the rotors be resurfaced or even replaced. Severely damaged rotors can also crack or break.
Your Brakes Are Soft
Soft brakes provide little or no resistance when you step on the pedal. Normally, you’ll feel resistance from the brake fluid in the system when you put your foot on the pedal. The lack of resistance is potentially dangerous, as it shows that your braking system doesn’t have the pressure necessary for your brakes to operate effectively.
Low pressure in the braking system is usually caused by a fluid leak. Leaking brake fluid will gradually reduce the pressure and reduce your braking capability. Our technicians will find the leak and repair it. Once the damage is repaired, we’ll refill your brake fluid.
If your brakes need a service, call us today at Mazda City of Orange Park.
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