1. The brake indicator light appears on your Wrangler's dashboard
One of the most obvious signs that something could be wrong with your Jeep Wrangler's brakes could be the brake light coming up on your Wrangler's dashboard. These indicator lights have been designed to let you know when there is something wrong with the system, and that is something that our technicians will be able to fully diagnose for you. They can connect to your Jeep, learn more about what set off that indicator light, and discuss with you what the next steps are to get you back driving your Wrangler safely. Sometimes these can be small fixes, and sometimes this could mean a complete replacement of your brakes. It's important to bring your car in as soon as a light comes on!
2. My brakes are making a squealing/squeaking noise. What do I do?
Hearing noises when you are braking is, besides an indicator light coming on, an almost surefire sign that something is not right within the braking system. However, the exact reasoning behind a problem could vary! Sometimes these types of noises come from something as simple as a pebble finding itself into the system. Other times it could be the brake pad wear, which is now metal on metal coming into contact with each other as you brake, and the brake pads are coming into contact with the rotors. What we're saying is, this is a sign that an appointment with us should be on the horizon, as it's important that you are driving a vehicle that has brakes that are in good working order.
3. My brakes are grinding instead of squealing. Is that bad?
In many cases, grinding when you brake is usually something that needs to be addressed immediately. We never want our customers to be waiting too long to get these issues looked at, as the more time that passes, the more issues you could have, and the more unsafe the driving can become. Grinding usually signals that the brake pad or brake shoe is now scraping against metal contact points. Our technicians know how to diagnose these problems immediately, and we'll be able to discuss with you what happens next, and when we will be able to get you in to have these repairs done.
4. Things are feeling spongy when I press the brakes.
Pressing down on the brakes should feel like you are pressing against some level of resistance. If you notice that your brakes are a little soft when pressing down, or especially if the brakes are going all the way down to the floor, then there is a problem with the braking system. Sometimes this is something like air/moisture in the system, and other times this could be a major issue with the master cylinder. This cylinder is where braking starts, and if there is a problem here, you won't be able to brake when you should. Our team will be able to diagnose exactly where the issue is coming from and discuss next steps!
5. It smells like my car is burning when I brake!
Let's face it, it's never a good thing when you smell like something is burning. This is especially true when it comes to your Wrangler's brakes. This could be a sign that your brakes are actively overheating, and to avoid further issues, you should pull over as quickly as possible to allow them to cool off. However, if you note smoke, this could potentially mean that your brake caliper is actually now locked into place. You should never continue driving if you see smoke coming from one of your tires. Our team will always be here to answer your questions and provide you with safe and reliable service.
Schedule a Brake Appointment Here at Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Big Spring
We know that there is a lot to think about in your day-to-day life, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. It's also important that you take the signs your Jeep Wrangler is giving you, and immediately seek out answers from the professionals here at Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Big Spring. We'll always be here to help you out and get you back on the road promptly. Safety comes first! For more questions about your Wrangler's brakes, feel free to use the contact form below.