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Side View Of A 4WD Vehicle in Gold Coast
August 30, 2021

Concerned About Your 4WD’s Braking Performance?

Braking is one of the most important aspects of driving a vehicle. It can be challenging to know if your brakes are in good condition without taking them into a shop for inspection, but some warning signs may indicate they need professional attention.

A car with faulty brakes will not stop as quickly as one with working brake pads. This means that stopping distances will increase dramatically, and drivers could find themselves in dangerous situations on the road. Of course, you don’t want to put yourself at risk – so make sure you have your brakes inspected regularly.

In the meantime, if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action and get your brakes checked immediately.

The brake light on your dash illuminates

This can happen for various reasons, such as low fluid in the hydraulic system or a faulty brake switch.

You notice high-pitched or grinding noises coming from your wheels

The noise could also indicate that the brake pads need replacing. Either way, it’s essential to have this looked at by a professional as soon as possible before any damage is done to your vehicle. If you don’t replace them soon, it can lead to other problems such as warped rotors, and even more costly repairs down the road.

Your 4WD shakes or vibrates when you apply pressure to the brakes

The most common cause for this problem is worn brake pads. Brake pads are made from hard material, and they wear down over time to create the friction needed to stop your car. When they get too low, the metal on them can touch the rotors, which create vibrations as you brake. This means you need new brakes soon.

Leaking coming from near your wheels

Brake fluid will traditionally be clear with a twinge of yellow, although it gets darker with age. If you see this fluid leaking from near your wheels, this indicates that there is air in the system, which can lead to a loss of braking power. The brake pedal may also feel spongy when pushed down.

A burning smell while you are driving

Many things can cause a burning smell, but the most common cause is overheated brakes or transmission fluid. Other causes include engine oil leaks and fuel vaporisation.

The 4WD mode in your vehicle can lead to premature wear on your brakes

If you have 4WD mode constantly engaged, it can lead to excessive heat and more stress on the brake system. If you don’t maintain them properly, they will wear out quicker than usual.

So how do you avoid this problem? Follow these simple steps to keep your brakes healthy and happy:

  • Check your brake fluid levels regularly – at least once every month or so
  • Take care when driving over rough terrain
  • Be sure to use low gears when going down steep hills
  • Avoid using four-wheel drive when not essential
  • Use cruise control whenever possible
  • Get regular inspections and have your vehicle serviced by professionals
  • Make sure all tyres are inflated correctly and keep up with tyre rotation
  • Ensure your suspension is regularly inspected and maintained.

There you have it – the common causes of your 4WD’s reduced braking performance and some of the preventative measures you can take to prolong your braking system’s lifespan.

If you are looking for replacement brake parts and components, come visit the GC Suspension, Steering & Brakes team at our Southport location on the Gold Coast or give us a call today on (07) 5532 3772.

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