Brake system components gradually wear out. Braking will become slower, and this can lead to an accident. As your Nissan dealer, we want to tell you about some signs that your brakes are in trouble and you need to visit us for brake service.
Burning Smell
If you smell a sharp chemical scent when you brake, your brake fluid is probably overheating. Brake fluid is pressurized when you step on the brake pedal, and this pressure generates heat as long as your foot remains on the pedal. If you’ve been riding your brakes, the fluid will get hot or even overheat and boil.
The overheated fluid causes two problems. Firstly, air bubbles formed by the boiling liquid are released into the braking system and can block brake fluid. The second problem is overheated brake fluid can’t generate hydraulic pressure, and your braking system could fail. We advise pulling over and allowing the fluid to cool. Our technicians will test the fluid and can replace it if necessary.
Soft Brake Pedal
As we’ve seen, brake fluid is pressurized. You can feel the pressure in the system as it produces resistance as you push down harder on the pedal. If you push on the pedal and you feel low resistance, something is wrong with the braking system. There might be a brake fluid leak, or an air bubble could be blocking one of the hoses.
A soft brake pedal is dangerous, as the braking system can’t provide enough pressure to ensure your brakes work as effectively as they should. The reduced response will cause the braking distance to increase, and this could be the difference between a near miss and a collision. We’ll examine your braking system to determine the cause of the low pressure and repair it.
Noisy Brake Pads
Brake pads fit into the calipers, and they’re forced against the wheel rotors when you hit the brakes. The material covering the pads produces friction against the rotors, and this friction slows and stops the wheels. The material covering gradually wears off, and you’ll hear a screeching sound if a pad needs replacement.
Harsh grinding noises are caused by a pad that’s lost all of its covering. If this happens, the bare metal pad will grind into the surface of a rotor when you brake. If the pad isn’t replaced immediately, it can cause serious damage to the rotor. We can replace brake pads in minutes and will examine the rotors for any signs of damage. A damaged rotor can usually be resurfaced, but it might need replacement if it’s been extensively damaged.
Driving with damaged brakes is dangerous. Contact our service department today at Banister Nissan of Chesapeake in Chesapeake, VA.
