If you own a diesel truck, chances are you use it for work – which means you rely on it to stop when and where you need it to. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs that your diesel brakes may need repair. After all, no one wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down truck.
Fortunately, there are several warning signs that can indicate your truck’s brakes need attention, including:
- A squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes – This is usually caused by worn-out brake pads. When the pads wear down, they expose the metal backing plate. The noise you hear is the result of metal-on-metal contact.
- Vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal – This can be caused by warped rotors. Warped rotors can happen as a result of excessive heat build-up (from hard braking, for example). They can also happen if your brakes get wet and don’t have time to dry off before you use them again.
- A “spongy” feeling in the brake pedal – If your brake pedal feels soft when you step on it, that’s an indication that there may be air in your brake lines. There could also be a problem with your master cylinder. Either way, it’s best to have a professional take a look as soon as possible.
- The brake warning light is on – If your dashboard has a brake warning light, pay attention to it! It could be an indication of low brake fluid levels or worn-out pads. Either way, it’s something that needs to be checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
If you’re having any problems with your diesel brakes, don’t wait to get them fixed. The sooner you take care of the problem, the better off you’ll be. And if you’re not sure what’s wrong with your brakes, bring them into our auto repair shop and have our professionals take a look. They’ll be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly so you can get back on the road safe and sound.
