6 Signs Your GMC Needs a Brake Repair

Certain warning signs will appear when you need a brake repair from your local GMC dealership. The problems are hard to miss, so you’ll know when it’s time to visit the dealership before the problem goes on for too long and causes major problems with your car.

1. The ABS Light Is On

Cars have a built-in mechanism that tells you when there’s something wrong with the braking system. If the ABS light illuminates on the dashboard, then get to the dealer straight away, even if your car isn’t showing other signs that there’s a problem.

2. The Brakes Make Noise When Used

Brakes make squealing or grinding noises when used because they need new brake pads. When the problem isn’t bad, you’ll hear squealing, like a small piece of metal is scraping against another metal surface. This is a built-in component of the brake pad designed to alert you to the fact that the pads need to be replaced.

Over time, more and more of the pad wears away until there’s little to no brake pad left. This leaves the rotor and brake caliper to scrape against each other, and they’ll damage each other over time.

3. The Rotor Has Grooves

It’s a good idea to perform visual inspections of various parts of your vehicle every few weeks. This includes your rotors. If you see grooves on them, or they look in any other way abnormal, then get to the dealer. They may need to be turned or replaced.

4. The Brake Pads Look Thin

If your brake pads look thin, around 1/4 of an inch thick or less, then visit the dealership. You need 1/4 of an inch of pad minimum to drive safely, and pretty soon, you’ll probably start hearing the brake pad wear indicator scratching against your rotors.

5. The Brakes Perform Badly

If your brakes aren’t responding or if it’s taking longer for you to stop when you use the brake pedal, then you need to go to the dealership as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with your brakes and this condition can endanger you and others, especially if the problem gets worse over time.

6. The Brake Pedal Feels Different

If your brake pedal feels different while in use, even if the difference is subtle, visit the dealership to get it checked out. It’s common for brake issues to make the pedal feel spongy or like there’s no resistance when you use it.

Most of these problems are pretty simple to fix, and our technicians can tackle them head-on. Come get your braking system repaired at Oxendale GMC in Flagstaff, AZ.

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