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Do You Know When Your Brakes Are Failing? These Tips Will Help Keep You Safe
On the Streets of Burke, VA
We all know the brakes on our cars are one of the most important safety features,
but how many of us know when signs of danger are present? That's why our
team of specially trained technicians at Burke Centre Automotive put together
these brake safety tips. You will never have to wonder again how to tell if
you need a brake replacement or brake maintenance.
- Conduct a visual brake inspection. Look between the spaces on the wheel's
spokes at the brake pad. The outside pad is pressed against the metal brake
rotor; you should see at least an eighth inch of the pad. If you don't,
stop in today and get your brakes inspected or replaced.
- Pay attention to how long it takes you to come to a complete stop. When
you begin to notice you're going from an easy rolling stop to pushing
harder than normal on your brake pedal to stop for that signal, it is time
to stop and see our technicians at Burke Centre Automotive.
- Note how your brakes feel. Remember the story of Goldilocks. If the brake
pedal seems too low, too spongy, too soft, too high, or too hard or if it
skitters or stammers, you need to have your brakes inspected. You don't
want “too” much of anything — or anything out of the ordinary
— when it comes to your brakes.
- Feel how the wheels respond when coming to a stop. Do they lock-up or pull
to one side while stopping? Does your steering wheel bounce, shake, vibrate
or pulsate in your hands while braking? If so, hold on tight, this means you
need a brake inspection immediately.
- Listen to your brakes — they should not make noise. No matter what
type of sound you hear — squeaking, squealing, screeching, grinding or
anything else — you need a brake inspection.
- And last, but certainly not least, keep watch if your brake warning light
comes on — you need a brake inspection.
For more information on brake safety or for a brake inspection, visit our trained
brake specialists at Burke Centre Automotive — serving customers in Burke,
VA, Fairfax Station, VA, Clifton, VA, Fairfax City, VA and Springfield, VA,
since 1996.
