The 2016 Cadillac XTS offers many things, like a spacious interior, cushy ride, abundance of high-tech features and luxury appeal throughout. But to keep this class-meets-modern sedan in good condition, you will have to have it serviced with regular maintenance and repairs. One of the most common automotive services mechanics deal with are brake maintenance and repairs. Without a properly working braking system, safety plummets, so it’s vital to always pay attention to the sound and feel of your brakes. Here are some ways to know if your sedan is in need of brake repairs.
Pulling. When you’re driving, does it feel as though your steering wheel has a mind of its own? If so, this could indicate a problem with the braking system, such as a stuck caliper. A stuck caliper causes friction on one wheel – a situation that results in your car pulling to the side where the caliper is stuck.
Another possible reason for pulling could be due to a collapsed brake hose, which causes calipers to move unevenly when the brakes are applied. It can also be due to uneven brake pads, which cause different amounts of pressure to be applied to each wheel.
Strange Sounds. When behind the wheel, it’s not just important to pay attention to the road and to feel how your car is behaving. It’s also important to keep your ears alert. Cars are equipped with a small indicator in the braking system that emits a high-pitched squeal when brake pads need to be replaced. This high-pitched squeal is loud enough to be heard while inside your car with the windows up – as long as the music isn’t excessively loud that is.
Along with the squealing sound provided by the braking system indicator, you should also be aware of any other noises when applying the brakes, such as a harsh grinding sound. This metal-against-metal noise means that your brake pads have been completely worn through. As a result, the metal of the calipers is grinding against the metal rotors. Not only is this an ineffective way to stop your car, it is also likely that you will damage your rotors. Brake pads are rather inexpensive and easy to replace, but if your cars rotors are damaged, you can expect costly repairs.
Vibrations. When you bring your car to a stop, does your brake pedal or steering wheel vibrate? If so, your braking system may be suffering from warped rotors. When rotors become warped, this means their surfaces are unevenly rubbing against the brake pads.
So what causes rotors to become warped? Rotors usually warp when under extreme stress for an extended period of time. The friction-generated heat caused by driving down steep hill or mountainsides, or by stopping frequently while towing something heavy causes the metal of the rotors to change shape. This change in shape results in the warping of rotors.
Finicky Pedal. When you press your brake pedal, what happens? Does it feel mushy, practically sinking to the floor before engaging the brakes? Or does applying the brakes cause them to grab immediately at even the slightest touch? Both of these things mean a potential braking system problem.
A mushy brake pedal could mean your pads are worn or that there is a problem with the braking system, like an air leak or brake fluid leak. A brake pedal that causes the brakes to grab at the slightest touch, however, could indicate an unevenly worn rotor or dirty or contaminated brake fluid.
While a finicky (mushy or grabby, for example) brake pedal is a warning sign of brake problems, there is one more warning sign to mention – a brake pedal that you have to press into the floor just to bring your car to a stop. If this is happening, your braking system may be experiencing a brake line obstruction or a problem with the vacuum system. Not only do both of the situations cause the brake pedal to be extremely hard to operate, but they also both require immediate attention from a certified professional.
For more information on the 2016 Cadillac XTS and for all of your automotive needs, visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA.
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