Expert Auto Brake Solutions in Massillon, OH

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.

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 come into contact with the rotor, creating a squeaking noise when you apply the brakes.

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.

If your car shakes, 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 becomes misshapen or unevenly worn, it vibrates or wobbles when you hit the brakes. If left uneven, the material will continue to build on the uneven spots, making the problem worse over time. Come to Ohio Brake and Lube to get the face of your car's brake rotors resurfaced to fix the problem.

If your car does not stop as quickly as you expect, you may leak 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.

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 Ohio Brake and Lube and let us help you diagnose this issue quickly.

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.

Brake specialists advise initiating new brake pads by using a 30-30-30 method: Perform 30 gradual stops from 30 mph, allowing 30 seconds between each stop for the brakes to cool. This process protects against excessive heat buildup until the resins in the pads have completely cured.

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 have them replaced soon.

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

Suppose 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 brake is not. This causes a pull on the side where the brake is working properly.