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Without brakes your vehicle will still get you from point A to point B, but it’ll be a harrowing and dangerous journey. Brakes are one of the most important safety components on a vehicle. They do more than stop your car at traffic lights – they also offer control and traction on the roads.
The brake system is an intricate combination of parts, each doing a specific job to help you stop. Much like an iceberg, which is only visible from above the water, your brake system involves far more than the peddle at your feet. It involves discs, calipers, pads and more. Each piece as important as the next in immobilizing your vehicle.
Brakes stall kinetic energy caused by your vehicle by the force of friction. From the brake pedal in your car, a piston is inserted into a cylinder which squirts hydraulic fluid along some pipes. This exchange of hydraulic solution maximizes efforts of your vehicle, allowing something as simple as the tap of a foot to stop a car speeding at 55MPH.
At AA Auto Kirkland, we take brake repair very seriously. We understand better than most, the importance of brakes to your safety. Our goal is to provide each customer with a safe and reliable vehicle, and this includes brakes which will work effortlessly at the tap of a foot.
Sometimes brakes give signs that they’re beginning to fail. If you notice any of the following, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Squealing: When the brake pad material wears down it causes grinding to occur. This makes a squealing or grating sound. You may notice the sound on one side, or on both, depending how evenly the pads have worn.
Slow to Respond: If you apply the brake and don’t immediately stop, it means one of two things. Either you were driving too fast, or your brakes need repairing. Brakes which are slow to respond are an indicator that they’re in trouble. Don’t wait to see a mechanic – slow brakes lead to no brakes which leads to danger.
Odor While Braking: A burning odor when trying to drive or brake could mean trouble. Brakes pads wear down with use, exposing your disc rotors. Sometimes pads are worn so low, they stick when the brake is applied and the friction while driving causes a strong burning smell.
Jerky Stops: Bouncing and jerking when trying to stop is an indication your brakes are functioning smoothly. If you don’t have control over your brakes, you don’t have control over your vehicle.
Leaking Fluid: Fluid leaking around your tires is another sign of brake damaged – this time to the rubber hoses, calipers or cylinders. Any one of these components can ruin your chances of a clean stop.
Pulling on One Side: When brakes perform better on one side than the other, it may cause your vehicle to pull to one side during stops. This causes many drivers to oversteer to counteract the problem, which is dangerous and unpredictable.
Brake inspections should take place every six months, whether these signs are present or not. Being proactive with brake maintenance keeps you safe on the roads.
During your brake inspection, you can expect a certified AA Auto Kirkland mechanic to clean and lubricate brake discs, replace pads, calipers, or discs, and change the brake fluid. Our mechanics are skilled in the area of brakes and can perform a thorough audit of the braking system to determine that everything is in working order before turning your vehicle back over.
Our team is transparent in everything we do. We’re happy to walk you through the diagnosis and solution regarding your vehicle’s brakes. We set realistic turnaround times and prices, making an otherwise negative experience a positive one.
At AA Auto Kirkland, we aren’t just some big brand of businesses looking to make a buck. We consider ourselves a true member of the Kirkland community. We take pride in the work we do and build a relationship with each of our clients.
For brake repair and other automotive services in and around Kirkland, Washington, don’t hesitate to call AA Auto Kirkland. Our mechanics take great care with every job they do. We know the importance that a vehicle plays in the life of a Kirkland resident. From driving kids to school and practice to getting to work on time your vehicle needs to be in top condition.
Contact us today to learn more and find out what sets AA Auto Kirkland apart from the rest.
