Get Your Brakes Changed in Greenwood, IN

Here at Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram – Greenwood, we are here for all of your brake needs. Whether it is squeaky brakes, a brake fluid leak, or something else, our certified technicians will help you to fix all of your brake problems. Schedule an Appointment with us today!

How Often Do You Need to Change Your Brake Pads Changed?

This depends largely on the type of driving you do around Greenwood! If you use your brakes often, like most city or urban drivers, you'll need car brake service more often than someone who does most of their driving on an interstate in Greenwood. Other driving habits that cause brake pad wear are speeding, last second braking, and mountainous country driving where constant downhill braking in necessary. Consult your owner’s manual for specific brake inspection intervals for your vehicle.

Why Do Car Brakes Need Replacement

The parts that make up your vehicle's brake system (like brake pads, rotors, caliper, and brake fluid) wear down over time and will eventually need to be replaced. One of the most common auto brake repairs we perform at Tom ‘Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Greenwood is the replacement of brake pads. Regardless of what they are made of (ceramic or metallic), brake pads wear down each time you step on the brake pedal.

If you allow your car brake pads in wear down too much without replacing them, the metal that holds the pads will make contact with the brake's metal rotors (or drums). This not only makes your brakes less effective (and less safe!), but also increases the wear and tear on your brake rotors/drums, meaning they will need to be replaced as well! The standard thickness for new brake linings is 12 mm. As it wears past 6 mm, that is the sign to start considering on changing your brakes. At around 3 mm, your brakes start to squeal, and you should change your brake pads immediately.

What exactly is Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid, or Hydraulic fluid is responsible for moving various parts of the braking system. When pressure is generated in the brake fluid lines, energy is distributed so the vehicle can brake. If your brake fluid were to leak, your car could take longer to stop, and if there was no brake fluid, your brakes would not be able to operate at all.

Brake Repair Warning Signs

There are several warning signs most drivers will experience before the car brakes (rotor, pads, caliper) reach the point of potential failure or require additional brake services.

While driving, listen, look, and pay attention to how your vehicle is driving to help alert you to a looming brake repair. Some common questions you should be asking yourself if you are concerned your brakes need service are:

• Does your brake's ABS warning light come on when you are driving?
• Does your car steer or pull to one side when using your car brakes?
• Do you hear grinding, squealing, or squeaking sounds when you push the brake pedal?
• Does your car shake or pulsate while braking?
• Is there a sharp, chemical smell after braking?
• Do you feel a pulsing or does your brake pedal feel spongy when you step on it?

These are common signs but not the only ones that suggest you should bring your car or truck into Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Greenwood to have your car examined and possibly have your car brakes replaced. Any other sights, sounds, or sensations in you car brakes that seem out of the ordinary, or you haven't noticed before also indicate you should bring your car into our service department. Remember, auto brakes continually wear themselves down, so if you think you have a problem with the brakes on your car, it will not get better if left alone. Brakes are the primary safety system on every car and truck, so don't take any chances!