Part of our mission here at Mazcare is to ensure that your Mazda is always safe when you drive it. Your brake system is possibly one of the most important safety systems on your Mazda car, truck, or utility vehicle. We recommend that you bring your Mazda to us for brake inspections every 12,000 miles or annually at a maximum. If your brakes are going bad, you might notice one or more of the following signs below.
Brake Fluid Leaks
Brake fluid leaks behind the wheels. Brake fluid is amber to light brown when it is new, and it turns dark brown to black as it ages. A brake fluid leak can be coming from the brake hoses or the master cylinder.
Brake Light
As you know, your brake light turns on when you set your Mazda’s parking brake. If it comes on and stays on at any other time, your Mazda is trying to tell you that there’s a brake problem.
Burning Smells
If you smell hot odors when you apply your Mazda’s brakes, your brakes are too hot and this can create the dangerous situation of brake failure. You may also hear constant squealing if the brakes are overheating because the brake pads and rotors have glazed.
Loud Noises
Speaking of squealing, you shouldn’t hear anything when you press down on the brake pedal. These are signs that there is a problem with your brake pads.
Pulling to One Side
If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, you likely have a caliper that is stuck on one side. There could also be a rock or other road debris stuck inside the caliper and this is affecting your car’s direction when you apply the brakes.
Sinking Brake Pedal
A sinking or squishy brake pedal indicates that you have air in your brake lines. The brake lines will need to be bled and new brake fluid put into your automobile to remove the air. Your Mazda’s brake pedal should stop at about 1 1/2 inches from the floor.
Vibrations in the Brake Pedal
Finally, your brake pedal should not vibrate when you apply the brakes nor should your steering wheel. If this happens it could be that your brake pads have worn down and there is no pad surface left or, again, you have a rock or other road debris stuck caliper. Your rotor surface may also be warped.
Mazcare is the best Mazda service shop in Marietta, GA, and we’d be happy to inspect your Mazda’s brakes to make sure they are okay. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
