Blog / Merrillville Buick Service

5 Signs Your GMC or Buick Needs Brake Repair

View of a GMC tire and wheel with the brake visible on a black GMC vehicle

When your car needs a brake repair, you'll notice some issues going on with the vehicle. When these issues rear their heads, you'll need to visit your dealer as soon as possible to get the braking system examined and repaired. Some of the most common issues you'll experience our outlined below.

5 Signs Your GMC or Buick Needs a Brake Repair

1. Brake Noise

If there are any noises happening when you hit the brakes, then you should definitely head to the dealer for an inspection. Often, you'll hear a screeching sound, like metal scraping against metal. This happens when your brake pads wear down and the brake pad wear indicators scratch against your rotors.

Make sure you regularly listen out for this sound so you can keep on top of getting your brake pads replaced. It's usually too subtle to be heard if you have the radio on, but it can be heard when the windows are up. If you hear a grinding or growling sound, then it means your brake pads are long overdue for replacement, and now your brakes or rotors may be damaged.

2. Brake Responsiveness Issues

You're probably used to how long it takes to fully stop when you hit the brakes. If it starts taking longer than usual to come to a complete stop, then you have a problem. You might have a brake fluid leak, so visit the dealer to have the leak repaired and your brake fluid topped up.

3. Brake Pedal Sinking

There's normally some resistance when you activate the brake pedal, but if you're having brake issues, then you might find that your pedal sinks right to the floor without resisting you. One issue that can cause this is a brake fluid leak, but there are other problems that can make your brake pedal sink right to the floor, too.

4. Brake Pedal Vibration

When your brake pedal vibrates or pulsates, it means your rotors are most likely warped. However, make sure the anti-lock brakes aren't engaged, as they can also cause the brake pedal to pulsate or vibrate. If the vibrating or pulsating is happening while the anti-lock brakes aren't engaged, then visit the dealer to have the rotors repaired. Long periods of heavy braking can cause this rotor damage.

5. Braking Causes Pulling

If you hit the brakes and the nose of your car pulls to one side, then you need to take a trip to the dealer as soon as you can. It's very likely that your brakes need to be adjusted or that you need to replace the brake fluid.

Brake issues should always be repaired ASAP. Come and get the braking system fixed at Shepel Buick GMC in Merrillville, IN.

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