Your vehicle brakes help keep you and those around you safe on the road. Unreliable or faulty brakes can cause you serious trouble, but with proper maintenance and a little education, you can ensure your brake system is ready to stop on a dime. What do brake lines do? They are metal hardlines found on most modern vehicles and, through hydraulic pressure, turn brake pedal pressure into stopping power. When you apply pressure to your brake pedal, the brake fluid stored in the master cylinder is transferred to the brake calipers via the brake lines. This forces the calipers to clamp down and slow or stop your vehicle. Brake lines should last the life of your vehicle; however, debris or driving style can lead to a brake repair. The brake repair experts at A&J Automotive have outlined the four common signs you may need your brake lines repaired.
The most common way brake lines fail is they begin to leak. If you spot fluid leaking from your car, channel your inner Inspector Gadget to see if it’s brake fluid. As a note, brake fluid is clear but may be brown if it’s old and dirty. The odor of brake fluid is like fish or castor oil, and it should have a dry oil feel to it. If you suspect a brake line leak, a brake repair may be in your future.
Pay attention to your dash! If you’re low on brake fluid or there’s a problem with your brake system, the brake light on your dash will light up as a warning. This is an indication that you should have a professional brake inspection sooner rather than later.
If you apply pressure to the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor with no resistance, stay calm. Get your car stopped, put it in park, and have it towed to your local brake repair specialist. It’s best to let the brake service professionals at A&J Automotive inspect your brakes as they have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment to identify problems and fix them.
For those that know their way around their vehicle, you can do a visible inspection yourself. If you see signs of damage, moisture, or corrosion, it’s time to have your brake lines replaced by a brake repair specialist.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, it’s best to visit the ASE-Certified technicians at A&J Automotive in Raleigh, North Carolina. We’ll put confidence back in your driving by performing a complete inspection and bringing any maintenance issues to your attention. And if a brake repair is needed, we have the skilled technicians and proper equipment to provide reliable repairs. Simply schedule an appointment, and we’ll take care of the rest!
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