Brakes & Brake Pads
Your brakes need to be in good shape if you want to drive defensively. Learn more about how to take care of them for the sake of everyone in your car.
Your Brakes Need Your Attention
If you neglect your brakes, you drastically increase the chances of an accident — or at least a higher repair bill. Finding the small problems with your brake pads typically saves you from having to replace the entire system. If your brakes are making noise or you need to push the pedal down to the floor to stop, contact Scott Clark Nissan for expertise that can’t be beat.
Routine brake inspections are the best way to prevent major problems. If your car is vibrating when you brake or you feel it veering towards one side or the other, you have to find out what needs to be done. By scheduling an appointment, you take a major step towards safety.
What should I know about my brakes?
- Braking imbalances are normally indicated with a red warning light on your dashboard.
- ABS problems are typically indicated with yellow lights.
- Excessive noise or grinding when braking is a sign that your pads or rotors need replacement.
- Vibrations throughout the car when you break likely mean rotor damage.
- Pumping the pedal could mean you need new pads or more braking fluid.
- Pulling or veering may mean you need a brake adjustment, new pads or a fluid change.
- Spongy pedals can signify air bubbles in the brake fluid or that you need new rotors.
The 3 Major Components of Your Braking System
- Brake Fluid
- The pistons and seals need to be able to move in your braking system, and the fluid lubricates all of the parts so they can do their jobs without resistance. Brake fluid is what allows the quick stops that can save you from a major accident. If you don’t change your fluid regularly, it can become contaminated with tiny particles. Talk to one of the mechanics at Scott Clark Nissan or check your owner’s manual for more information on how often to change it out.
- Brake Pads
- Your brake pads are made up of a friction component and a steel backing. Without the friction component (which will deteriorate over time), the rotors grind away at the steel backing, which is what causes the squealing or screeching noises. The repairs are extremely costly if you don’t take care of a pad that’s been worn down, so you need to have the pads checked regularly.
- Brake Rotors
- Made of cast iron and connected to the wheels of your car, the rotors work with the pads to stop your car. The good news is that rotors last longer than the pads do. An inspection will test the thickness of the rotors to ensure they can handle the pressure from the pads.
Service Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 6:30am to 7:00pm
- Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday: Closed
Parts Hours
- Monday – Friday: 7:30am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday: Closed