How can I tell if my brakes might be bad? - Any time you hear noise while braking
- If your brakes feel spongy and you have to press them harder
- If your brake warning light is on
- If your steering pulls to one side or another when you brake
What does the brake warning light mean? The brake warning light could mean there is a problem in the brake’s hydraulic system, the brake pads are low or the parking brake is on. Have your brakes checked when the light is on.
Isn’t all brake fluid the same? No. DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are glycol-based and used in most modern cars and trucks because they work with ABS brakes. DOT 5 is silicone-based. Silicon-based fluid doesn’t absorb water, so it doesn’t corrode brake systems over time. However, it doesn’t work with ABS brakes, so it’s mostly for older cars and trucks.
What are rotors for? The rotor is what the brake presses against to stop your car. That pressure causes friction that wears the rotor down over time. Worn rotors can cause problems with your brakes.
What does ABS mean? ABS stands for Antilock Braking System. When you press hard on your brakes, the ABS applies and releases the brake hundreds of times a minute to prevent the brakes from locking up.