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Urgent Brake Repair Needed: 5 Clear Signs for Your Car’s Safety

August 23, 2023

old used rusty car brake discs in bad condition | Auto Service Fairfax

Today’s vehicles include state-of-the-art safety features, such as blind spot detection, forward collision warning, backup cameras, and automatic parking. While these features are valuable, they pale in comparison to the brakes—the most critical safety feature on your vehicle. If your brakes are not working, your ability to slow and stop your vehicle is compromised.

As such, you need to know the signs and indications when you need immediate brake repair in Fairfax, VA. Let’s explore the tell-tale signs you need brake repair in Fairfax VA. And if you notice or detect any of these signs, contact ABS Unlimited Auto Repair immediately.

Your Brake Light Is Illuminated

If you ever notice an illuminated dashboard indicator, it shouldn’t be ignored or taken lightly, especially when it’s brake-related. Most modern vehicles will have two different warning lights that can indicate brake troubles:

If you see either, contact ABS Unlimited Auto Repair today for a brake inspection and the subsequent brake repair. More so, if you spot any dashboard indicator light, you should have it inspected. Failure to do so can turn a minor issue into a more expensive repair or compromise your safety.

Squeaking, Squealing, or Grinding Noises

Pressing the brake pedal should be a seamless, relatively quiet affair. But if you hear a metallic squealing sound, it’s most likely the wear indicators on your brake pads. While this sound is annoying, it’s not necessarily a sign of damage. It is a sign you should replace your brake pads. However, if you continue driving on worn brake pads, the squealing or squeaking sound will turn into a more sinister grinding sound.

This metal-on-metal noise means you’re a few stops away from damaging your rotors, which is a much more expensive brake repair in Fairfax VA. Whether you hear squeaking, squealing, or grinding sounds, you should visit ABS Unlimited Auto Repair today for brake repair in Fairfax VA.

You Feel a Vibration Whenever You Attempt to Brake

If your vehicle shakes or vibrates whenever you attempt to brake, it typically means your rotors are warped. Your rotors are the large discs behind your rim or wheel. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze against the rotor, bringing your vehicle to a stop. Uneven or warped rotors can compromise this process and cause noticeable vibrations. In either case, you will need brake repair in Fairfax VA. In most instances, the mechanic at ABS Unlimited Auto Repair can perform rotor resurfacing or install a new rotor — whichever is the best and most cost-efficient solution.

Stop…If You See Leaking Brake Fluid

Have you ever wondered how pressing a pedal brings thousands of pounds of metal, plastic, rubber, and glass to a halt? It’s your hydraulic braking system, which relies on brake fluid. If you notice leaking brake fluid, you clearly have a problem. Typically, leaking brake fluid means you need the master cylinder brake repair. Failure to address this issue promptly will reduce your ability to stop, cause longer stopping distances, and ultimately result in brake failure.

A Soft Brake Pedal or Spongy Brake Pedal

You know what to expect each time you press your brake pedal and how it should feel. But if you notice a spongy or soft pedal or your pedal goes to the floor, you should contact ABS Unlimited Auto Repair immediately. It can indicate your master cylinder is malfunctioning or you have moisture in your brake system. In either case, you should have a brake inspection and the necessary ensuing brake repair in Fairfax, VA.

Contact ABS Unlimited Auto Repair Today for Brake Repair in Fairfax, VA

Your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety system. And if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary smells, sounds, or feelings, it’s imperative to have a brake inspection as soon as possible. Fortunately, ABS Unlimited Auto Repair offers every brake repair service your vehicle will ever need. Contact ABS Unlimited Auto Repair today for brake repair in Fairfax, VA.

Call us today at (703)352-7770, visit us at 3215 Old Pickett Road in Fairfax, VA, or complete our online contact form.