Volvo vehicles are ideal for safety-conscious drivers, with sturdy frameworks, responsive steering, myriad safety features, and powerful brakes. You'll want to have the brakes inspected twice a year for signs of wear in the various components. Also, look out for the below symptoms of brake trouble, which should prompt an immediate brake inspection and repair at your local Volvo dealership.
6 Signs It's Time for a Volvo Brake Check
Noisy Brake Pads
There's a small metal tab inside each brake pad, which gets uncovered once the friction layer thins to about once quarter of an inch. When revealed, this tab scrapes against the rotor, creating a screeching noise. And if the friction layer goes completely, you'll hear heavier grinding. Always try to replace the pad before you hear grinding, which means the rotor is getting scored.
Shaky Rotors Discs
Rotors also wear down over time, albeit more slowly than brake pads. When a rotor becomes too thin, it's in danger of warping out of shape, especially if it overheats. A warped or scored rotor will usually generate pulsating vibrations in the brake pedal.
Leaking Brake Fluid
The brake lines running from the master cylinder to each wheel are filled with brake fluid, which maintains a high degree of hydraulic pressure. If this fluid leaks from a damaged line or seal, your brake pedal will become spongy, and you may notice a honey-colored fluid dripping under your car.
Veering to the Side
Routine inspections are designed to prevent any real brake-related issues. But if a more serious problem ever were to develop, your car might pull to one side when you apply the brakes. This means the brakes on one side have weakened, making it perilous to drive.
Less Responsive Brakes
If you notice the stopping distances lengthening when you press the brake pedal, pull over safely and call our technicians. Your failing brakes could have overheated from excessive use, or another more serious fault might have occured.
Blinking Warning Light
If one of your Volvo's brake-related warning lights appears on the dashboard, never ignore it. The light might be warning you of a worn-out brake pad, low brake fluid, a parking brake problem, or something else.
Drop By Your Volvo Dealership for Regular Brake Inspections
When it comes to our brakes, the importance of regular inspections can't be overstated. It's advisable to schedule two inspections per year. That way, our experienced Volvo technicians can ensure your brakes are always among the strongest and most reliable on the road.
Come to Volvo Cars Jackson in Brandon, MS, to have your brakes serviced by friendly, experienced professionals. We strive to keep all our customers as safe as can be on the road.