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Healthy, well-maintained brakes allow you to control your speed and stop almost instantly when needed. In contrast, worn or damaged brakes are cited as a cause of at least 22% of accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As your MINI dealer, we care about your safety, and we’d like you to know a few signs you need to visit us for a brake service.
Signs You Need a Brake Service at Your MINI Dealer
Screeching Noises
A loud screeching noise when you hit the brakes is a sign of worn brake pads. These pads play a vital role in braking, as they have a rough material covering that generates friction against the wheel rotors, forcing the wheels to a stop. As time passes, friction causes the material covering to wear down, reducing braking effectiveness and increasing braking distance.
Screeching noises are made by a pad worn down to 1/4″ thickness. When this happens, a spike buried inside the material scratches against the rotor to warn the pad needs replacement. We can quickly fix this issue by replacing worn pads and checking and repairing any damage.
Pulling to One Side
When you apply the brakes, pressurized brake fluid forces the calipers to close on both sides of each rotor. All four calipers clamp simultaneously against the rotors to ensure your wheels stop quickly. If your MINI pulls to one side when you brake, there’s a problem with one of the calipers.
The two causes of this problem are a rusted caliper and a blockage in the brake hose leading to the caliper. Calipers are exposed to water and mud, causing rust, and a rusted caliper won’t clamp against the rotor. A blockage in the brake hose prevents brake fluid from forcing the caliper to close on the rotor. Our technicians will examine your brakes and fix the problem.
Brake Fluid Leak
Brake fluid provides the hydraulic power that enables the braking system to work. As time passes, brake hoses can leak due to the heat and pressure generated by braking, and the system will lose fluid.
When you push on the brake pedal, you should feel resistance from the pressurized fluid. If you feel little resistance, you could leak. This is dangerous, as low brake fluid will prevent the brakes from engaging and can cause an accident. We’ll check the brake hoses and lines, repair the leak, and refill the brake fluid.
Don’t risk driving with worn or damaged brakes. Contact us today at MINI of Morristown in Morristown, NJ.
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