You own a Subaru because you know they are excellent at handling all kinds of terrain and are reliable. However, like any other vehicle, Subaru cars require maintenance, including Subaru brake repair. Mac’s Complete Auto Repair in Chandler, AZ, provides brake repair and other auto repairs so you can keep your Subaru in top-notch condition.
Signs You Need Subaru Brake Repair
Recognizing the signs of brake issues can minimize the amount you spend on brake repair. If you catch worn pads before they score the rotors, you may not have to purchase new rotors. Signs of Subaru brake repair include:
Squeaking and Squealing Noises
Brake pads have a metal tab attached to the backing plate. It’s there to indicate that the pads are low. The squeaking and squealing noise you hear is the tab scraping the rotor, signaling that the pads are low. Ignoring this will score the rotors deep enough that you’ll have to replace them.
Grinding Noises
Ignoring squealing noises for too long results in the metal backing plate rubbing against the rotors, creating a grinding noise. Once you hear this, you have no pad material left to slow the vehicle, and the rotors are damaged.
Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
A spongy or soft brake pedal could signify several problems, including air in the brake lines, worn brake components, or a brake fluid leak. This requires immediate attention.
Vibrations and Pulsations
When you feel a vibration in the brake pedal when you step on the brakes, your vehicle may have one or more warped rotors. Rotors can become warped if they are too thin or if you overheat the brakes.
Longer Stopping Distances
When your vehicle experiences brake issues, it requires more time to come to a stop. This increased stopping distance heightens the risk of accidents, particularly if you are unaware of the need for a longer stopping distance. The cause of this extended stopping time can be worn brake pads or other brake-related problems.
Warning Lights
The illumination of a brake warning light on your dashboard is an indication of serious issues within the brake system or the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Such a warning necessitates immediate attention. Mac’s Complete Auto Repair in Chandler, AZ, is equipped to diagnose and address the problem.
Burning Smell
If you detect a burning odor, particularly when not engaging the brake, it’s likely that one of the calipers is stuck. Additionally, overusing the brakes can lead to overheating, manifesting the same smell. Overheated brakes tend to fade, significantly reducing, if not entirely diminishing, stopping power.
Uneven Brake Pad Wear
In many instances, inspecting the brake pads through the wheel spokes or from the wheel’s front is possible. If there’s a noticeable discrepancy in the thickness of the pads on either side of the rotor, a caliper issue may be present.
Low Brake Fluid
The brake system is a closed system, so you should never be low on brake fluid unless you have a brake leak or you are overheating the brakes. Always have Mac’s Complete Auto Repair in Chandler, AZ, check your Subaru’s brake system if the brake fluid is low.
Pulling to One Side
When you hit the brakes, and the vehicle pulls to one side, the brake pads may be uneven, which usually signifies issues with a caliper or a brake hose. This is a situation that needs immediate attention.
Contact Mac’s Complete Auto Repair For Your Subaru Brake Needs Today
When you notice problems with your Subaru’s brakes, go directly to Mac’s Complete Auto Repair. In many cases, such as burning brakes or grinding, you should have the vehicle towed so you can minimize as much damage as possible.
Contact Mac’s Complete Auto Repair at (480) 709-6259 for an appointment for Subaru brake repair or to let us know the tow truck is on the way with your Subaru. We are conveniently located at 6948 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ 85226.