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Signs It’s Time to Have Your Brakes Inspected

Sep 24, 2020
Signs It’s Time to Have Your Brakes Inspected

There’s nothing more embarrassing than backing out of a parking spot only to have your brakes give out a loud squeak. After driving several thousands of miles, the brakes will start to get worn. The brakes are used every time you drive, and your safety relies on their performance. Regular servicing should increase their lifespan, but what happens if you forget to have the brake pads changed? Brakes shouldn’t be overlooked, and it’s essential to recognize the warning signs that it’s time to get them serviced if life gets too busy. Below are a few common signs that there may be an issue with your brakes: 


The Brake Light Came On.
The moment the brake light illuminates on the dashboard, it’s time to have your brakes checked. The red warning light signals a problem with the handbrake, while the yellow light indicates the antilock braking system. 


The Brake Pads are Worn.
Every time you stop your vehicle, friction is placed between your brake pads and the rotor. Over time, the brake pads will become worn causing your car to take longer to stop. If brake pads are thinner than 6.35 mm, they are unstable and no longer secure; it’s time to replace them. 


You Notice a Grinding Sound.
If it’s been a long time since your brakes were serviced, the brake pads may have worn completely thin. Metal rubbing against metal can produce a grinding sound. Brake pads that are worn thin are hazardous and less effective, causing dangerous driving conditions. 


The Steering Wheel is Wobbling.
If you apply pressure to the brakes and the steering wheel starts wobbling, this can indicate wheel alignment and brake issues. The brake rotor may have come out of alignment, or the calipers in the front brakes can’t detach themselves adequately. There are several reasons the steering wheel will start to wobble; it’s essential to have this inspected right away to prevent additional damage. 


The Brake Pedal Feels Spongy.
It’s important to pay attention to how your vehicle feels while driving. Have you recently noticed a change in your brake pedal’s resistance? If the brake pedal feels softer or spongy when you press on it, the brakes need to be inspected. A spongy brake pedal may be a sign that there’s a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid leaks are rare but can happen to the best of us. Any leaks in the brake fluid will drastically decrease the brakes’ performance, making any drive a dangerous one. 


Get Your Brakes Checked at Grove Street Auto Repair in Franklin, MA. 

If you notice signs that your brakes are failing, don’t hesitate to get them inspected. The brakes are essential safety components of your vehicle, and they should be fully functional. Grove Street Auto Repair has been the number one choice for top of the line automotive repair in Franklin, MA, since 1998. Our technicians are brake specialists and would be happy to give your brakes a full inspection. If you’re noticing any of the above signs, schedule an appointment, and we’d be glad to assist you.

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22 Mar, 2024
Experience reliable A/C repair at Grove Street Auto Repair. Beat the heat with expert diagnosis, transparent pricing, and preventive maintenance tips to keep your car cool and comfortable all summer long. Schedule your service today!
aer advanced european repair logo on a dark blue background
04 Dec, 2023
Greetings from Grove Street Auto Repair! We have exciting news to share! On January 2nd, 2024, Grove Street Auto Repair will be expanding and adding to the family!! Please welcome Advanced European Repair! This facility will be dedicated to the service and repair of European vehicles and is located just 400 feet away from our current location. The address is 527 Beaver Street in Franklin, on the corner of Grove Street and Beaver Street. Why are we adding to the family? Over the last several years, we have seen a large increase in the number of European vehicles being serviced at Grove Street Auto Repair. Since our humble beginnings in 1998, our customer base has grown every year and we already have the tooling and technical expertise to service European vehicles. Now with Advanced European Repair down the street, we can continue to serve the needs of our European clients. Advanced European Repair will have the same expert vehicle knowledge, same great customer service and the same great processes that have helped us grow over the last 25 years and will help us to continue to grow into the future. What can you expect at AER? AER is your local dealer alternative, without the inconvenience of the typical dealership experience. Clear and honest communication -You will receive frequent updates as well as a comprehensive health report emailed or texted to you with pictures and clear explanations of the work we recommend. Convenience - We make it easy to do business with us with free loaner cars, online appointment requests, easy drop off and pick up options and more. Transparency - You will be a part of the repair process from start to finish. If you have any questions, please email us or give us a call. We wish you and your family a very happy, healthy holiday season. Sincerely, Patrick, Jean, Chris and the team at Grove Street Auto Repair Visit the website at Advanced European Repair .com
01 Oct, 2023
Introduction & Answers: Your car's braking system is one of the most critical safety components you rely on daily. From brake pads to brake rotors, these components work together to slow down and stop your vehicle, ensuring a safer driving experience. Recognizing early signs that your car might need new brakes or brake maintenance is crucial to avoid potential accidents and costly brake repairs. In this blog post, we will delve into key indicators that can help you assess the condition of your vehicle's brake system. Squeaking or Squealing Noises: The Brake Pads Are Calling One unmistakable sign of brake wear is a high-pitched squeaking or squealing noise emanating from your brake assembly when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. This noise is often caused by worn brake pads, where a small metal indicator comes into contact with the brake rotor. If your ears catch this auditory clue, it's an immediate signal to schedule a brake inspection. Grinding Sounds: Metal on Metal Is Bad News If you notice that the squeaking has escalated to a harsh grinding noise when you use the brakes, you're likely dealing with a more severe brake issue. This grinding sound often means that the brake pads are completely worn, and metal components within the brake system are rubbing against each other. This is a critical stage of brake wear that can lead to extensive brake system damage and high repair costs. Don't delay; act quickly if grinding is present. Reduced Braking Performance: It’s Not Just About Brake Pads When your car takes a longer distance to come to a full stop or you find yourself pressing the brake pedal harder than usual, you're experiencing reduced brake performance. This inefficiency could be related to several issues, such as worn brake pads, brake fluid leaks, or even damaged brake lines. If your vehicle shows any of these symptoms, it’s time for a comprehensive brake system check. Vibrations in the Brake Pedal: The Rotors Are Speaking Feeling a pulsating or vibrating sensation through the brake pedal usually indicates warped brake rotors. These rotors can become warped due to excessive heat or uneven brake pad wear, affecting your car's stopping ability. Replacing or resurfacing the rotors might be necessary to restore optimal brake performance. Dashboard Warning Lights: Your Car's SOS Signal Modern cars come equipped with a brake warning light on the dashboard. If this light comes on, your car’s onboard computer has detected an issue with the brake system components, possibly related to brake fluid levels or brake pad condition. Never ignore this automated alert; consult a certified mechanic for a brake system diagnosis as soon as possible. Unusual Smells: The Scent of Overheating Brakes A burning or chemical-like smell while driving, especially when you use the brakes, could indicate overheated brake components. Overheating can cause reduced brake effectiveness and even lead to brake fade—a sudden loss of braking power. Conclusion: Keeping your vehicle's brake system, including brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid, in top condition is essential for your safety. Ignoring any of the signs we've covered could risk both accidents and expensive brake repairs. If any of these indicators ring true for your car, don't hesitate to get a brake system evaluation from us at Grove Street Auto Repair in Franklin, MA. Our ASE-trained mechanics will conduct a thorough brake inspection and provide a detailed status report, ensuring your continued safety on the road. Book your free brake inspection today ! Need a loaner vehicle? Just let us know when you schedule your appointment .
Brakes For Breasts 2023 Logo
19 Sep, 2023
Brakes for Breasts is an organization that unites the hands of Independent Auto Repair Shops during the month of October. As a participating shop, Grove Street Auto Repair will provide their customers with free brake pads and the customer simply pays for the labor and any other parts that may be needed. Grove Street Auto Repair will then match the cost of the brake pads and donate the total amount to the Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. Our industry stands united to put the Brakes on Breast Cancer!
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