Brakes are crucial for safe driving. They allow drivers to stop and regulate their speed whenever necessary. Faulty brakes are a recipe for disaster, for you and other road users. Here are signs that indicate it’s time to take your vehicle to a certified Kia dealer for brake repair.
1. Insensitive Brake Pedals
Do you have to push your brake pedal all the way to the floor to get a response? If so, you should be concerned. When you apply the brakes, fluid is pushed through a thin pipe, creating hydraulic pressure. If any liquid is lost, there won’t be enough power to force the brake pedals to clamp hard to the rotors, hence affecting their sensitivity.
Rush to your dealership before your pedals completely lose their braking abilities.
2. Brake Warning Light
When your vehicle’s brake warning light shows up, it tells you something is wrong with your braking system. It might mean that the pads are getting excessively worn and should be replaced soon. It may also indicate a problem with your parking brake or it is currently engaged. If the lights blink on and off, you may have low brake fluid in the master cylinder.
3. Noise of the Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
Your brakes are highly unlikely to wear out at the same time. In most cases, those on one side will get thinner than the adjacent ones. When this happens, your vehicle might pull slightly to the left or right after you hit the brakes. You could also have a faulty brake caliper or an unbalanced tire pressure.
If the issue is unchecked, you’ll put too much pressure on the steering rack, wheel alignment, and ball joints, which might cause more severe damage.
4. Burning Odor
A burning rubber smell from your vehicle after hard braking or driving from a steep hill could be a symptom of overheating brakes. It may also indicate a loose rubber hose or belt under the hood. The loose parts then move around and come into contact with hot engine parts, hence the rubber smell.
Also, you could have a burnt-out electrical fuse, worn-out brake pads, or an overheating A/C compressor. Only an expert can point out the culprit.
5. Brake Vibration
This mostly happens when the disc brake rotors are thinner than others. When dirt and rust accumulate on the rotor, you may also experience slight vibrations from your car. Other issues may include poor wheel alignment, or warped, damaged, or excessively worn pads. Your technician has the right tools to diagnose and fix the problem.
If you notice any of the above signs, contact us at Hart Kia. Our factory-trained technicians are always ready to fix whatever issues you may have with your car.
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