There are few components to your Chevy that are more crucial to safety than your brakes. So, what signs should you be looking for to determine the health of your brakes? Let’s discuss when to call your local Chevy dealer about brake repair service.
Your Brake Light Is On
This one is a clear giveaway that something might be wrong. Your Chevy has lights on your dashboard for a reason, so when one starts illuminating, you need to pay attention. Even if you’re not feeling any vibration when you brake or other typical warning signs, you need to consider calling for a brake maintenance service.
The brake light is easy to identify as it is usually yellow or red and has an exclamation point in a circle. It may also have the text “brake” written underneath the symbol.
You Hear Unusual Noises
Unless you are a skilled mechanic, you likely will not be able to pinpoint a new sound and be able to identify exactly what the problem is. And that is okay! The most important thing is to acknowledge that you hear a strange sound, particularly when you brake, and you need to get it professionally checked out.
Typical sounds you might hear that point toward brake maintenance include grading or speaking noises when you apply the brakes. If you’re unsure of what you’re hearing, make sure to turn the radio or your music down for a bit to hear the unusual sound better.
Steering Wheel Vibrations
Even if you have your music blasting, you’ll be able to notice your steering wheel beginning to vibrate. If it isn’t vibrating, you might notice the wheel pulling to one side or the other when you apply the brake pedal. This type of steering wheel interface could be caused by problems regarding your brake calipers or pistons.
A Soft Brake Pedal
With how often you typically have to stop and go in your Chevy, there is a good chance you have a great feel for the brake pedal. Essentially, how soft or hard you have to push to give yourself an even braking experience. If you are in need of scheduled brake maintenance, you will notice that the brake pedal has gone soft.
A soft brake pedal feels like a sponge. This is definitely not the type of pedal response you would receive with high-functioning brakes. If you’re experiencing the soft brake pedal, it’s time to schedule an appointment.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs listed above, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment immediately. Brake problems are a severe safety concern and should be handled as quickly as possible. Thankfully, the brake experts at Lithia Chevrolet of Redding can help. Schedule an appointment with Lithia Chevrolet of Redding now to make sure your Chevy is completely safe driving.
Photo by Gustavo Fring: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-checking-on-the-brakes-of-a-vehicle-6870319/
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