It's great to be able to put your right foot down in your sporty and powerful vehicle to go roaring off feeling the thrill of quick acceleration and ultimate top speed but you do have to slow down at some point whether it's an upcoming sharp bend, traffic light or a stray animal.
Your vehicle's brakes are tasked with bringing some hefty rolling machinery to a stop when asked to. Emergency braking situations, long downhills and city driving with frequent stops and starts all exert their toll on your vehicle's braking system. Our article shares some insight on what can go wrong with your Caddys braking system and how to prevent any possible failures by adhering to regular Cadillac brake service.
If your brakes are not up to scratch the chances of brake failure are heightened along with increased risk of an accident.
The Cadillac Brake System
Most modern vehicles, like the current Cadillac lineup of models, use a four-wheel brake system consisting of hydraulically actuated brake calipers and brake disc rotors that rotate with each wheel hub.
These components are actuated when the driver depresses the brake pedal, which pushes on a hydraulic brake cylinder, pressurizing the hydraulic brake lines, causing pistons inside the brake calipers to push onto the frictional brake pads that ultimately clamp the rotating discs and decelerating the disc rotation, thereby slowing down and stopping the vehicle.
Signs Your Cadillac Needs Brake Service
Thankfully, there are some warning signs that you need to get Cadillac brake service before any complete failure.
Unusual noises when braking
Hearing any unusual or grinding noises while braking could be a result of worn brake pads where the frictional material has worn out.
Cadillac brake pads feature handy wear indicators to produce a squealing noise to indicate when the pad's friction materials are almost worn out at around 2mm thickness, and the brake pads should be replaced as soon as possible.
Vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal
When pressing down on the brake pedal in any non-emergency braking situation there should normally be no vibrations or pulsation being felt through the brake pedal .
Emergency braking will activate your Cadillac's standard anti skid braking system (ABS) and the driver will feel the very rapid pulsing of the ABS system doing its job through the brake pedal.
Warped or unevenly worn brake discs, however, will cause a bad vibration to be felt through the brake pedal, accompanied by a shaking steering wheel when braking from a higher speed.
A warped brake disc or brake disc with uneven wear resulting in high spots will cause brake pedal pulsation when the driver applies brakes at slower speeds. In either case, these are sure signs that your vehicle's brakes need immediate servicing.
Warning lights on the dashboard
Two brake warning lights are typically found in the instrument cluster: the ABS light and a brake system warning light.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) light will illuminate briefly when the engine is started and then go off. This light not coming on or remaining on indicates a problem.
If the ABS light stays on or comes on while you are driving, your vehicle's brakes need service. In this instance, if the second brake system warning light does not light up, your vehicle will still have brakes but no ABS braking function.
This second brake warning light comes on if there is a brake problem, such as low brake fluid, and it's best to have your brake system checked right away.
Reduced braking performance
Reduced braking performance is dangerous with the heightened risk of an accident, hence the need for regular servicing of the braking system by qualified technicians.
Worn brake pads with reduced friction material will drastically reduce the stopping power of the brake system and eventually lead to damage to both rotors and calipers.
Low brake fluid levels will also reduce braking performance due to insufficient hydraulic pressure in the brake lines. Low brake fluid can also cause air to enter into the brake lines, leading to spongy feeling brakes and reduced braking performance.
Types of Brake Services Offered
Cadillac brake services will typically follow your Cadillac's regular maintenance schedule and any brake related problem noted will be addressed.
Inspection of the various components of the brakes will check for worn-out brake pads with replacement if the assessment shows they are below the minimum 2mm thickness.
Servicing also requires checking the condition of your rotors at time of brake pads replacement and also at the time of every tire rotation for good measure.
The aforementioned pulsating brake problem due to brake discs with uneven wear can be repaired by turning down the discs as long as the minimum thickness is not exceeded.
Replacement of the brake rotors is necessary if they are beyond this safe thickness.
At the scheduled intervals, brake fluid will be flushed out and renewed to ensure continued effective braking.
The Cadillac Brake Repair Process
Scheduling a Cadillac brake service if you experience brake issues is as easy as going online or contacting your nearest Cadillac service center, where the technicians will carry out an assessment and advise accordingly of the necessary repairs.
Choosing Genuine Cadillac Parts for Repairs
Genuine Cadillac service parts are engineered and manufactured to OEM standards to fit your Cadillac perfectly and work just as intended to keep you safe.
Preventative Maintenance for Your Cadillac's Brakes
Regular visual inspections and adherence to your Cadillac brake service schedule along with the necessary preventive maintenance from Cadillac's qualified technicians will help keep you driving safely.
Why Replace Your Brakes at Colonial Cadillac
Colonial Cadillac offers skilled service from our expert technicians who will fit the right parts for your specific Cadillac model, whether it's brake pads, brake rotors, or more when you bring your Cadillac to us.
Service Your Cadillac at Colonial Cadillac
Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT, is committed to providing customers an amazing customer experience.
Have absolute peace of mind knowing that the skilled Cadillac experts on our maintenance team are looking out for you and that your vehicle's brakes work perfectly when you service your Cadillac at Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT.
