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When it comes to road safety, there's nothing like a properly working, responsive braking system. Whether you're driving through San Jose or cruising down a scenic country road, having brakes that work optimally helps keep you, your passengers, and others safe. So when the brakes stop working like they should or start making strange noises, it's good sense to have the brakes inspected. A brake inspection will uncover the cause so you can have your car repaired in short order and get back to your travels near and far. 

At Calderon's Tires locations in San Jose, we provide brake inspections and repairs. From changing the brake fluid and replacing worn parts to identifying what's going on when you find yourself scratching your head at brake issues, we are the right place to call!

Signs You Need a Brake Inspection & Service

Now, let's explore the signs that something might be off with your brakes:

Squeaking or grinding noises: Brake pads are designed to make a high-pitched noise when they are worn down to the wear indicator line. If you hear a squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it's likely that your brake pads need to be inspected and replaced. It is worth noting that squeaking can also occur after a rain storm and prolonged period of inactivity that allows a thin layer of rust to form on the rotors. However, this should go away after a few stops as the rust is scraped off by the brake pads.

Soft or spongy brake pedal: If your brake pedal feels unusually soft or spongy when you press it, it could be a sign of air or moisture in the brake lines. This can affect the overall performance of your brakes and should be addressed promptly.

Stiff brake pedal: If your brake pedal feels unusually hard or stiff when you press it, it could be a sign of a problem with the brake booster or master cylinder. These components are responsible for amplifying the force applied to the brake pedal, and any issues with them can affect the overall responsiveness of your brakes.

Vibrations when braking: When you apply the brakes, if you feel vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal, it could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Warped rotors can compromise the effectiveness of your brakes and should be checked by a professional.

Dashboard warning light: Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced brake systems and monitoring technology that can detect issues. If your dashboard warning light illuminates for the brake system, bring it to a service center like Calderon's Tires. It's important to not ignore this warning. You should have your brakes inspected as soon as possible.

Longer stopping distances: If you notice that it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a stop when you apply the brakes, it may be due to worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or other factors, and should be checked by a professional.

Outside of brake inspections for issues, you can always ask for a service provider to do a quick visual check of the brakes during another service that will expose them. For example, tire rotations are a great time to also get an idea of how your brakes look. This can provide valuable information about the condition of the brakes, so you can prepare for when you expect to need service next.

Don't forget that you can visit Calderon's Tires when you need a brake inspection in San Jose, California.