Common Brake Problems and Fixes

If you’re having brake trouble, it can be hard to isolate and fix the issue. At Poway Auto Repair in Poway, CA we’ve seen it all. Here are a few of the most common problems and offenders in the brake system and what you can do about them.

Brake Pads: Probably the part requiring the most replacements. Brake pads wear out more frequently than other parts of the brake system because they absorb the majority of the friction and are exposed to a lot of wear and tear.

It’s time to change your brake pads if you hear squeaky brakes, or even loud noises as you brake. If you’re unsure of any signs you need to replace them, a simple brake inspection will be enough to tell. Generally, if the pads are less than 1/8 of an inch thick they need replacing.

Rotors: Rotors usually outlast brake pads, sometimes past 2 or 3 brake pad replacements, but any number of abnormalities can cause them to wear away quicker.

If you notice a pulsation or shudder when stepping on the brake pedal, it’s likely that there’s a problem with the rotors and they need to be replaced. Oftentimes, wear or damage to rotors can be fixed merely by resurfacing the rotors instead of replacing them- especially in low-mileage cars

Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is necessary to maintain pressure and stability within your brake system. Low brake fluid can indicate a problem with the efficiency of your brake system, but most commonly means there is a leak somewhere. If your brake light comes on in your dashboard, low brake fluid is a likely culprit.

If there’s a brake fluid leak it’s important to get this fixed immediately! A leak in your brake system could cause a lot of damage to the other parts, costing you a lot of money in the long run. And of course, a malfunctioning brake system is a huge safety hazard. See your mechanic immediately if you think you have low or leaking brake fluid.

If you’re experiencing problems with your brakes, suspect something may be wrong with the brake system or are just due for an inspection, stop by any of our locations! Poway Auto Repair is running special discounts the months of May and June for brake part replacements and upgrades!