Chrysler Town and Country for Allentown and Bethlehem
When driving a comfortable vehicle, it's easy to forget that you are sitting inside a chunk of metal moving on asphalt at high speed. The brakes of your vehicle are the only thing capable of slowing down or stopping your vehicle, and that's only if you kept the most critical safety mechanism in your vehicle well maintained and serviced.
The braking system of a vehicle is certainly one of the most important features that require more attention than it usually gets. Here we have listed a few warning signs that indicate a need for service.
1. Brake Lights
The brake lights appearing on your dashboard can mean three things:
- The emergency brake is on. Releasing it would solve the problem.
- Either the braking system has completely failed or pressure on one side of the braking system is lower than the other.
- The hydraulic fluid could be low.
2. Worn Pads
A Chrysler Town and Country uses disc brakes. A hydraulic system triggers a set of padded clamps known as calipers. The friction from the calipers and rotor eventually stops the car. Overtime, the pads eventually wear off, getting thinner and becoming less effective.
- Brake pads should be at least one-quarter of an inch thick
- The rotor should be relatively smooth, any deep groves or pits suggest it's time to replace the rotor as well.
- Brake pads come with a wear indicator which squeals when you need to replace them.
- A harsh grinding sound indicates that the pads are completely out and there is a possible chance of the rotor being damaged as well.
3. Pulling While Braking
If your vehicle feels like pulling towards a side while driving or braking, there is a problem in the braking system. The cause of this problem could be a stuck caliper and because of the stuck caliper there is friction in only one of the tire causing the car to pull to the side where the caliper is stuck. This can be caused by:
- Uneven brake pads
- Collapsed brake hose
- Stuck calipers
However, pulling to side does not always indicate a problem with the braking system, pulling can also be due to
- Uneven tire pressure
- Worn tires
- Poor Alignment
- Suspension Problem
4. Vibrating Brake Pedals
Vibration in the brake pedals generally indicates a warped rotor. Their uneven surface rubbing against the brake pads creates vibrations, which can be felt in the brake pedals.
If you haven't stressed your brakes recently and still feel vibrations, there could be a problem with the tire alignment and you should take your vehicle for a full workup.
5. Loose Pedal
If the pedal of vehicle feels loose or feels like it's almost touching the floor before it engages the brakes, there is a problem with the braking system or worn pads.
If you reside in Allentown, Bethlehem, PA, then feel free to bring your vehicle for a full body workup at Kelly Chrysler Jeep Dodge.