BRAKES & BRAKE REPAIR

At Forest Brook Automotive, we want our Lynchburg customers to have the opportunity to feel comfortable in their vehicle. You can leave the repairs and services to our professionals, but please don't hesitate to ask us questions about why a service is needed or how it occurred. Give us a call at 434-239-4561, and we will be happy to speak with you. Here is some valuable information on brake issues and corrective services Forest Brook Automotive offers.

Anti-Lock Brake System
If your vehicle has an anti-lock Brake Systems (A.B.S.), you're less likely to experience skidding and have more control while driving. The system ensures that the wheels don't stop rotating during braking. An early warning sign that your A.B.S. needs service is the dashboard light. Stop by Forest Brook Automotive, and we'll diagnose and fix the problem.

Brake Fluid Flushes
Brake fluid or hydraulic fluid helps move the components of your car or truck's braking system. Over time, the liquid absorbs some water from the air. The brake system can become less effective, and the fluid may be corrosive and damage the system. Manufacturers will specify when to replace the vehicle brake fluid but talk to our technicians at Forest Brook Automotive about the appropriate timing for your car or truck.

Brake Hoses
A brake hose is a tube carrying pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A crushed hose can cause the brake to drag or slow. A leak in the hose can cause braking or the entire brake system to fail. Brake hose replacements are infrequent, but routine maintenance checks with Forest Brook Automotive will determine if hoses show signs of cracking or wear.

Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Squealing brakes are often a sign of brake pad problems. If your vehicle's brake pads deteriorate entirely, you'll hear a grinding "metal-on-metal" sound when braking. Head to Forest Brook Automotive as quickly as possible to minimize damage to your car wheel's rotors or drums. While you may be able to take on this repair in your garage, we recommend consulting with us to get the right parts and to confirm the installation is correct.

Caliper Replacement
Brake calipers hold your vehicle's brake pads. They fit around the rotor like a clamp, pressing the brake pads against the rotor as you brake. When calipers begin to wear, you may notice uneven braking or your car sliding forward as you try to stop. Calipers are small parts with a significant impact, particularly in adverse weather conditions, when uneven braking can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you notice any of these warning signals, contact Forest Brook Automotive as soon as possible.

Resurface Rotors
In a disc brake system, brake rotors stop your car or truck's wheels from spinning. When the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and wheels to a stop. Over time, the friction that occurs during the braking process causes grooves and cracks on the rotors. Resurfacing brings the rotor back to a "like-new" condition, reducing squealing and wobbling. Forest Brook Automotive will give your rotors a thorough inspection and recommend your best course of action.

Brakes Questions and Answers

Q: What percent of brake pad life is 3mm?

A: When you purchase a new brake pad, it has a standard thickness of around 8 to 12 mm or about a half inch. Over time, your car's brake pad will wear away. A brake pad at 3 mm or around one tenth of an inch will take around 40,000 miles of driving to completely wear out. Don't wait until then to replace your brake pads. Once your brake pads reach 3 mm it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to get them replaced soon.

Q: Why is my dashboard brake light on?

A: If the brake light indicator appears on your dashboard, it's either time for regular brake maintenance or an alert to a potential problem. Stop by Forest Brook Automotive and let us help you diagnose this issue quickly.

Q: Why are my brakes squeaking?

A: Noises coming from your brakes do not usually indicate a high-cost auto repair. It could be a foreign object such as a small stone or road debris. It could also be a signal that your brake-pads are wearing out and need replacing. As brake pads wear bits of metal in your brake pad come in contact with the rotor to create a squeaking noise when you apply the brakes.

Q: Why are my brakes making a grinding noise?

A: Grinding noises usually indicate that your car's brake system is overdue for maintenance. The grinding sound is usually caused by the brake pad being completely worn away or the brake shoe scraping on metal contact points.

Q: Why are my brakes vibrating?

A: If your car shakes or vibrates or wobbles when you apply the brakes, it indicates that the thickness of your rotor is uneven. Brake rotors are large, perfectly round, smooth metal discs that sit inside of the wheels. When the disc has become misshapen or unevenly worn it will vibrate or wobble when you hit the brakes. Left uneven, the material will continue to build on the uneven spots, making the problem worse over time. Come to Forest Brook Automotive to get the face of your car's brake rotors resurfaced to fix the problem.

Q: How do I know if my car is leaking brake fluid?

A: If your car does not stop as quickly as you expect you may be leaking brake fluid. This is a serious problem. An important part of the braking process involves brake fluid, which is used to create hydraulic pressure against the brake caliper. If your vehicle is leaking brake fluid, you won't be able to stop safely. We recommend taking your vehicle to an auto repair shop as quickly as possible if it is leaking brake fluid.

Q: Why is my car pulling to one side when I am braking?

A: If your car is pulling to one side when braking it may be a bad brake hose or a caliper issue causing one brake to engage while the other is not. This causes a pull on the side where the brake is working properly.

Q: Why are my brakes making a burning smell?

A: Overheated brakes cause a noticeable burning chemical smell. Pull over to a safe place and allow the brakes to cool. Ensure you did not accidentally leave the parking brake on. If there's any smoke coming from a wheel, it may be that the brake caliper is malfunctioning and locked in place. In this case, it may be unsafe to continue driving.

Q: What are the 3 signs that brake pads are worn?

A: The three most common sounds that indicate you need to replace your brake pads are squeaking, grinding or the dashboard brake indicator light coming on.

Q: What are the 3 types of brake pads?

A: There are three main types of brake pads in use today: non-asbestos organic, ceramic and semi-metallic. Come by Forest Brook Automotive or consult your car's owner's manual to determine which type is best for your vehicle.