Not everyone is a mechanic, and it can be hard to tell when your vehicle needs a repair. But, if you have a new or used vehicle from your favorite Kia dealer, you must keep up with the maintenance to get the most out of your car. How do you know when your vehicle needs a brake repair? Keep reading to find out!
1. Brake Light
There are a few different lights that may appear if you have a brake issue. If the warning light shows EPB, this is your electronic parking brake light. If the light appears as “! P”, this is your parking brake and brake fluid light. In some models, this may appear as only an exclamation point. Another light that may appear is your anti-lock brake system warning light. This warning light displays as ABS.
When a warning light appears that you’re unsure about, check your owner’s manual. Inside, you’ll find all possible warning lights and the exact meaning related to the model of your Kia. Your local dealer or mechanic can also help you if you’re having trouble identifying the warning light.
2. Squealing or Grinding Noises
Some brake issues are obvious by the noises your vehicle makes. To know if your brakes are the issue, listen to your car carefully when you press your foot on the brake pedal. In a vehicle with good brakes, no noises should be heard when braking. But, if you hear squealing or grinding noises, this is a sign that something is wrong.
These noises could indicate that your brake pads are worn, the brake pads are scraping against another vehicle part, or there’s an object lodged in your brake system. Regardless of the cause, take your vehicle to get fixed as soon as you hear these noises. Ignoring these noises can lead to a complete brake failure.
3. Soft Brakes
Sometimes, you’ll know there is a brake issue just by how it feels when you press down on the brake pedal. The most alarming feeling is if your brake pedal is pushed down to the floor with no resistance. If this occurs, your vehicle will not stop when the brakes are applied. An issue with your vehicle’s master cylinder may be present.
You may also notice that your brakes feel soft, or have less resistance than normal when pressed. This indicates the start of brake issues and should be looked at as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues.
Now that you know the signs to look out for, remember that the best place to get your repairs done is a reputable Kia dealership. Contact us today at Bergstrom Appleton, Wisconsin Kia to schedule your service or preventative maintenance.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.