Your vehicle’s brakes go through a lot of wear and tear and will need to be replaced at some point in time. The amount of time it takes for the brake pads to wear down depends on the conditions in which you drive and how you apply the brakes when stopping. Each time you bring your vehicle in for service, our certified auto technicians will check the condition of your brakes to let you know how much life is left on the brake pads. By doing so, we can let you know when it’s time to replace your brakes.

If you ever have a concern about the reliability of the brakes in your vehicle, you should have them checked out right away. If there is a problem and you continue to drive, you could end up having limited braking ability or worse, no brakes at all. Aside from the physical danger of driving a vehicle with bad brakes, you will end up having to spend more on a brake repair because of additional damage that may occur.

Here are Some Signs You Need a Brake Job

There are certain tell-tale signs that point to needing a brake job. Here are a few:

• The Brake Light is On – The brake emergency warning light is “red” in color to alert you to a serious problem. In some vehicles, the brake warning light is the same one that is used to let you know the emergency brake is engaged. If the light comes on and stays on when you first start your vehicle, make sure the emergency brake is off. If the emergency brake isn’t engaged, have the brakes checked right away. It’s probably a good idea to have the vehicle towed to our shop in Staten Island, New York.
• Squealing – Are you noticing a high-pitched squealing sound when driving that stops when you apply the brakes? This is a likely sign that a brake job is needed.
• Scraping or Grinding Noises – A scraping or grinding should is usually the cause of metal-to-metal contact. Typically this sound is heard when the brake pads are completely worn down and grinding into the rotor. You should schedule a brake repair immediately.
• Hard Pedal – Having to use excessive pressure when applying the brakes could indicate a problem with the hydraulic lines, frozen calipers or cylinders, or a damaged brake lining. Contact us right away to schedule your brake repair. 
• Soft Pedal – If the brakes feel soft or spongy when you apply them, there’s a problem. It could be occurring from problems like air in the brake lines, faulty brake lines, bad brake calipers or a worn master cylinder. Schedule an appointment right away to have the brakes inspected and repaired.

If you suspect there is a problem with your braking system, take action right away by scheduling a brake inspection at Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, NY. We will take a look for signs of rough spots or damage, check to see how much life is left on the brake pages and will inspect the brake lines for signs of damage, cracking or corrosion. Contact Colonial Service Station schedule a brake inspection or brake repair today.