McCabe’s Brake Service in University Place, Tacoma WA
Perhaps the most important safety system of an automobile is brakes. Faulty or worn out brakes can lead to trouble on the road. In order to ensure a safe vehicle, it is recommended to receive current routine brake inspections. Any other necessary repairs can also be addressed during a brake maintenance appointment with the mechanics of McCabe’s, offering peace of mind for your drive ahead.
Several indicators, such as ride consistency, sounds, and buoyancy relay your brake system’s performance.
The on-page content is not intended to replace the need for a mechanic to inspect vehicles on a regular basis, however it provides most of the answers to questions that can determine when it is time to visit the shop.
Automobile Brake Questions Answered
What are the warning signs that indicate brake repair?
You may need brakes, and your car will show signals, whether subtle or loud. Each car is different. A good place to start is by inspecting more obvious areas, including auto dashboard indicators, and physical components like the wheels or tires. Some signs of brake issues, like its dashboard light, can alert you to concerns. Other signs of brake issues are only visible on your car’s exterior wheels or tires.
If the dashboard brake light comes on, it could simply be a signal of low brake fluid, or that a brake sensor has been triggered. During a brake inspection at McCabe’s in University Place, Tacoma WA, technicians may look for physical indicators of wear that are visible without needing to drive the vehicle. For instance, if your brake pads are worn down excessively, you might notice a buildup of brake dust on the wheels, which can turn the rims a dark, dusty color. Additionally, if the rotors are warped or uneven, there might be visible grooves or scoring on the brake rotor surface. This can be a sign that your brake pads are worn down to the point where metal is grinding against metal, a more immediate hazard.
While these visible signs and dashboard indicators can help identify potential brake issues, it’s always recommended to get a full brake inspection by a trained professional, as some problems may not be outwardly visible but could still affect your vehicle’s safety on the road.
How often should I get a brake inspection to ensure safe driving in Tacoma?
Frequency of brake inspections can vary. Each vehicle make/model is different, and its maintenance needs could also be influenced by its use and care routine. For example, if you drive frequently in Tacoma, where stop-and-go traffic or hilly terrain can place more stress on your brakes, your brake system may wear out more quickly compared to someone driving primarily on highways. The age of your vehicle, quality of its brake components, and how well it has been maintained in the past all play a significant role in determining inspection frequency.
The best approach is to be attentive, and to have a professional inspection done periodically, or at least as concerns arise.
What could a mechanical grinding sound indicate?
The noise could be caused by brake pads if there is excessive wear. An indication is when the metal backing of the pads is coming into direct contact with the metal rotors. When this happens, the friction between the two metal surfaces creates the characteristic grinding noise. If left unchecked, this metal-on-metal contact can be damaging. It can cause warped or deeply scored rotors, which then require more extensive repairs or replacements. In similar cases, the grinding sound can even be constant. It’s a signal that the issue has progressed significantly.
Driving in Tacoma, WA includes frequent stops, heavy traffic, and/or steep inclines, all moderate conditions to wear and tear up auto brakes. If you’re hearing a grinding sound, it’s right to have your brakes inspected by professionals. Appointments with McCabe’s mechanics will prevent further damage and ensure that your vehicle remains safe.
What does it mean if you feel a pulsation or vibration in the pedal, seat, or steering wheel while braking?
Even in the most modern vehicles, like Tesla, pulsation and vibration in the brake pedal, seat, or steering wheel often indicates an issue with braking. A common cause is warped rotors, which occur when the brake rotors are no longer perfectly flat. This can happen due to excessive heat build-up from aggressive or prolonged braking, which causes the rotor to wear unevenly. As a result, the brake pads may not make consistent contact with the surface, leading to a pulsating sensation during braking.
Electric vehicles often rely on a combination of regenerative braking and traditional friction brakes. The issue could be related then to the friction brake system. And while regenerative braking reduces wear on traditional brakes, rotors and brake pads can still experience issues, especially if the vehicle has been subjected to heavy or sudden braking.
Pulsation might stem from issues with suspension or wheel alignment. A Brake Maintenance appointment will identify the concern. McCabe’s can address more than one repair, so if needed then your suspension and/or wheels can be aligned during the same window.
What steps does McCabe’s take during the brake inspection of a vehicle?
Your brake inspection includes but is not limited to various aspects of analysis by a trained and mechanical team.
- Visual inspection of master cylinder and hydraulic lines
- Inspection of fluid level and condition
- Removal of both front and rear wheels and inspect brakes and measure rotor and/or drum for wear
- Visual inspection of calipers, pads and/or shoes and measure wear
- Inspection of all hardware, backing plates, bearings and seals where applicable
- Road test to confirm customer’s concern – if needed
- Flush, fill and bleed the braking system
- Brake pad and rotor replacement
- Brake caliper reconditioning and replacement
- Brake line repair and replacement
- New brake hoses
- ABS diagnosis and repair
- Parking brake service and repair
Brake Service Appointment in Tacoma, WA
When making your appointment for your complimentary brake inspection, our highly trained team asks identifying questions to be sure we are all on the same page. We can even take a road test drive with you to ensure transparency.
If you suspect that your car is experiencing problems with its braking system, connect with a mechanic to set up an appointment to have your braking system inspected before driving continues.
3147 Bridgeport Way West,
University Place Wa 98466
(253) 565-5173
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm
