The braking system of a modern Kia is remarkably reliable and durable. Even so, every time you press that brake pedal, your pads and rotors undergo enormous pressure and wear down a tiny fraction. Over time, every car needs brake repair of some kind or other. Here are three signs you might need to head to your local Kia dealer to have your brakes inspected and repaired.
Strange Sounds When Braking
The parts of a car’s brake system that experience the most wear and tear are the brake pads. These are the pads that clamp onto the rotors every time you brake, creating enough friction to slow and stop your car. Brake pads are designed to emit an unpleasant high-pitched squealing sound when they wear down too far, alerting you to the need for replacements.
The upper friction layer of a brake pad is made from a composite of metal shavings bonded with resin. You’ll hear the high-pitched sound when this friction layer is almost gone. If the friction layer disappears altogether, you’ll start hearing a grinding noise, which indicates metal scraping on metal. At this point, your rotors could become seriously damaged if you don’t change out your pads promptly.
Vibrations While Braking
The rotor discs themselves can sometimes become damaged, in which case you’ll feel odd vibrations through your brake pedal or steering wheel. Rotor damage most often occurs as a result of overheating. If you’re braking constantly for prolonged periods of time, the friction can heat up your rotors to the point where the metal softens enough to warp or become scraped and scored.
This extreme heat can also sometimes melt the resin in brake pads. This melted resin then coats the rotor and hardens into a lumpy layer which causes vibrations. Damaged rotors almost always have to be replaced, so it’s best to avoid overuse of your brake pedal.
Driving Conditions That Cause Overheating
If you’re driving for prolonged periods in heavy stop-and-go traffic, your brakes might begin to overheat. The same threat is posed by mountainous roads with plenty of long downhill stretches. In either case, try to adapt your driving style so you’re putting less pressure on your brakes. And if you ever think your brakes might be overheating, take a break from the road to let them cool down.
Less Effective Braking
If you ever press your brake pedal and it feels soft or spongy, and your vehicle takes longer to slow than normal, then you’re experiencing brake fade. This is most often caused by overheating and, needless to say, it’s very dangerous. Once cooled, your brakes should return to normal effectiveness. But if brake fade persists, you probably have a more serious problem such as a brake fluid leak, and you should have a trusted technician take a look immediately.
How a Kia Dealer Inspects Your Brakes
The technician first needs to check your brake fluid level and top it up if necessary. They’ll then examine all the lines and hoses under your hood and undercarriage. Your car will need to be raised so they can remove the wheels, calipers, rotors, and pads, inspecting each part with care. Any faulty parts will then be repaired or replaced and carefully tested.
To have your brakes examined and repaired by experienced professionals, visit Crain Kia of Conway. We’re a family-owned dealership that’s been providing drivers with exceptional vehicles and service since 1966.
Image via Kia.
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