Good brakes are one of your Kia’s most essential safety features. They allow you to easily control your speed. The brake system can suffer wear and tear, and you’ll need a brake repair. As your Kia dealer, we’d like you to know some of the signs that your brakes need to be checked.
Worn Brake Pads
When you apply the brakes, hydraulic pressure causes the brake calipers to close on either side of the wheel rotors. The calipers contain brake pads and these pads provide the additional friction needed to slow and stop your car. The pads have a 1/2″ thick friction material covering that generates friction against the smooth, flat surface of the wheel rotors.
The pads slowly wear down each time you apply the brakes. When a pad wears down to 1/4″ thick, it’s time to replace them. If the pads aren’t replaced, you hear awful screeching noises as a warning. Eventually, the material will wear off, and you’ll hear a grinding sound as the metal pads dig into the metal rotors. We can easily replace the pads and fix any other problem.
Pulling to One Side
If you step on the brakes and your car pulls to one side before it stops, this represents a serious problem with the brakes. As we’ve seen, the calipers close on the rotors to stop your wheels from turning. The braking system applies equal pressure to the rotors on both sides of your car. When your car pulls to one side, there is a problem with the brake system on the opposite side.
The two main causes of this problem are a jammed caliper and a blockage in the brake hose. Brake fluid exerts hydraulic pressure on the calipers, but a blockage in the hose can prevent the exertion of this pressure. An air bubble in the hose, for example, will prevent the caliper from activating. A damaged brake caliper may be jammed open, and this means the brake on the affected wheel won’t engage.
Slow Working Brakes
Well-serviced brakes will operate almost instantly when you step on the pedal. This efficiency is essential, as good brakes can help prevent a possible accident. As a driver, you depend on a fast response when you mash the pedal. If you experience a delay between stepping on the pedal and your brakes engaging, this is a problem that needs to be fixed ASAP.
We will need to check your braking system to diagnose the exact cause of the problem. One of the most common reasons for slow working brakes is a lack of pressure in the braking system. A brake fluid leak will reduce the pressure as the level of brake fluid drops. Our technicians will thoroughly investigate the system, and find and fix the problem.
If you have any problems with your brakes, call us right away at Koons Kia of Owings Mills. Our Kia-trained technicians will fix the problem, and you’ll be driving safely again in no time.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.