A Cadillac is a high-performance machine with exceptional brakes. But without proper maintenance, the brakes of any car can eventually wear down and run into problems. Keep an eye out for the following four signs of brake trouble. Any of these issues should prompt you to visit your local Cadillac dealer for brake repair.
Spongy Brakes
As you know, the ordinary feel of a brake pedal is firm. You press the pedal and instantly feel resistance as your car slows. If you ever press the pedal and it feels spongy or soft and unresponsive, pull over immediately and check your brakes.
Sponginess might be caused by a leak in the brake hoses, meaning that brake fluid is leaking out and air is leaking in. This puts your car at risk of total brake failure. Sponginess might also be caused by something less worrisome like brake fade. This is where your brakes have temporarily overheated and lost traction from too much continual use and just need a while to cool down.
Strange Noises
Your brakes shouldn't be making unusual sounds when you use them. A squealing sound indicates a worn-out brake pad that needs to be replaced. A metallic grinding sound usually means a brake pad has completely worn out and is now causing damage to your rotor.
Rattling or clacking noises might point to loosen parts trapped in your caliper. This might be a loose screw, bolt, clip, or something else. It will need to be fixed back into place or replaced by a mechanic.
Odd Vibrations
While driving, you can often feel tiny vibrations through your pedal and steering wheel. But if you feel stronger vibrations or pulsing when braking, it's quite likely that at least one of your rotors has become damaged.
This occurs when the surface of the rotor gets scored deeply while overheating. Sometimes resin from brake pads can melt and coat the rotor unevenly, also causing vibrations.
Burning Smells
Needless to say, you should never ignore a burning smell from your car. If you find yourself braking more than usual, perhaps while navigating heavy traffic, and you start to smell burning, then your braking mechanism is probably overheating. Save it from serious damage by pulling over to rest and cool your car.
Get Brake Servicing at Your Local Cadillac Dealer
You can avoid most brake problems with regular brake servicing at your local dealership. It's generally recommended for Cadillac drivers to have their brakes taken apart and inspected at least once a year. Many drivers opt for twice a year. If you find yourself driving frequently in brake-heavy conditions, you should have your brakes inspected more often.
Have your brakes examined and repaired today by experienced technicians at Earnhardt Cadillac. Once the youngest Ford franchisee in history, our founder and CEO Tex Earnhardt has been providing the region's drivers with exceptional cars and customer service since 1951.
