Braking System Safety

August was National Brake Safety Awareness Month, and we would like to remind drivers everywhere that the best way to stay safe on the road is to stay informed throughout the year. Common symptoms of brake issues, such as squeaking, may only need a little grease, but they could also be a sign of a brake problem that needs immediate attention. Whether your brakes need a little TLC or a bit more, Mighty Auto Parts is there for you. Mighty Auto Parts sources the highest quality auto parts from the leading OE manufacturers, and partners with more than 12,000 repair facilities across the country. When it comes to brakes, we’ve seen it all.e

A road test with the customer is often the preferred diagnostic method to evaluate an unruly brake system. However, just as important, yet frequently overlooked, is the step of checking the availability of technical service bulletins from the vehicle manufacturer. Mighty Auto Parts produces “Tech Tips” for technicians to use, information that can save many hours of diagnostics.
For example, many customers have complaints of rattling noises from the front end of their vehicles. This issue is seen on the 2005-2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 2006 Pontiac Torrent, and 2002-2006 Saturn VUE, and could be a symptom of a front caliper issue. To determine if this is the case, lightly apply the brakes when the rattling noise occurs. If this slight braking pressure causes the noise to stop, and releasing the brakes causes the noise to return, then the lower bushings on the front calipers need to be replaced.

Here’s another Tech Tip: have you ever had a brake pedal with a “spongy” feel to it or had a pedal that traveled a farther distance than normal? A likely cause of this problem is aerated fluid. A technician may bleed the fluid system and correct the pedal height, but this may only be a temporary fix. The symptoms could return. Additional checks that should be done to include an examination of the fluid level in the master cylinder and a thorough inspection for external fluid leaks.
 
Diagnosing brake-related complaints in a timely and efficient manner is always a challenge. Even the most well-trained technician can follow the proper diagnostic procedure and still be unable to resolve the same annoying brake noise complaint. Or, they can temporarily resolve the issue just to have the customer return with the same complaint. For some problems, it may be impossible to correct the issue without factory assistance. Mighty Auto Parts is a trusted and leading automotive supplier to the Professional. Beyond providing the best parts to auto shops and dealers, our ultimate goal is to help you, the driver, stay safe on the road by staying informed.
 
Keep your brakes in tip top shape. Have your local professional perform an inspection today!

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