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Top Signs Your Brakes Need Professional Attention

Greg Buckley • Nov 17, 2023

Welcome to Buckley's Auto Care, Millsboro, DE's premier destination for all your automotive needs. Today, we're diving into a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance – your braking system. Understanding the top signs that your brakes need professional attention can be the difference between a safe drive and a risky one. So, let's get started!


1. Squealing or Grinding Noises

One of the first signs that your brakes require professional attention is when they start making unusual noises. If you hear a high-pitched squeal or a harsh grinding sound when you apply the brakes, it's a clear indicator that your brake pads are worn out. At Buckley's Auto Care, we recommend getting your brakes inspected as soon as these sounds appear.


2. Vibrations or Pulsating Brake Pedal

When you press the brake pedal, it should be a smooth experience. If you feel vibrations or a pulsating sensation, it's often a sign that your brake rotors are warped. Warped rotors can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your brakes, and our team at Buckley's Auto Care is well-equipped to address this issue.


3. Longer Stopping Distances

Noticing that your car takes longer to stop than usual can be subtle but it's an important sign that your brakes are not functioning optimally. This could be due to a variety of issues within the braking system, and our skilled technicians at Buckley's Auto Care can diagnose and rectify the problem efficiently.


4. Brake Warning Light

Your vehicle's dashboard is designed to alert you to potential issues. If the brake warning light illuminates, it's a direct signal to have your brakes checked. At Buckley's Auto Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the root cause of the warning and ensure your safety on the roads of Millsboro, DE.


5. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

A brake pedal that feels unusually soft or sinks to the floor is a serious concern. It often indicates a problem with the brake fluid or a potential air leak in the brake lines. Our experts at Buckley's Auto Care can quickly identify and fix these issues, restoring the integrity of your braking system.


6. Unusual Odors During Braking

If you detect a burning smell when applying your brakes, this is not something to ignore. Overheated brakes or clutches can produce such odors, and it's a clear sign that your brakes need immediate attention. Buckley's Auto Care is here to help, ensuring that your vehicle remains safe and reliable.


7. Vehicle Pulling to One Side

When your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, it could be due to uneven brake pads or a malfunctioning caliper. Consistent and balanced braking is vital for your safety, and our team at Buckley's Auto Care is adept at correcting these imbalances.


8. Brake Fluid Leaks

Brake fluid is essential for the hydraulic system of your brakes. If you notice any fluid leaks near the wheels, it's a red flag that your brake system could fail. Don't hesitate to bring your car to Buckley's Auto Care, where we can address leaks and refill fluids as needed.

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Welcome to the Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro blog, your premier destination for automotive care insights in Millsboro, DE. Our goal is to not only offer top-tier auto repair services but also to empower our community with knowledge to make informed decisions about their vehicle maintenance. Today, we're diving deep into the realm of engine problems, a topic that affects countless drivers. Whether you're a new car owner or a seasoned automotive enthusiast, understanding common engine issues and their solutions is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Understanding Engine Basics Before we tackle the various engine problems, let's briefly discuss what an engine is and how it works. At its core, an engine converts fuel into mechanical energy, propelling your vehicle forward. This complex process involves several components working in harmony, including the pistons, crankshaft, valves, and spark plugs, among others. Regular maintenance at a trusted shop like Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro can prevent many common engine issues, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable. Common Engine Problems and Solutions 1. Overheating One of the most frequent engine issues is overheating, often resulting from a coolant leak, faulty radiator, or problems with the water pump or thermostat. Overheating can cause significant damage if left unaddressed. At Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro, we recommend checking your coolant levels regularly and scheduling a cooling system inspection if you notice your engine temperature gauge climbing higher than usual. 2. Oil Leaks Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, providing necessary lubrication to its moving parts. Leaks can lead to low oil levels, resulting in increased friction and, eventually, engine damage. Common signs include oil spots under your car or a burning smell while driving. If you suspect an oil leak, it's crucial to have your vehicle inspected by our skilled technicians at Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro to identify and fix the source of the leak promptly. 3. Check Engine Light The check engine light can signify various issues, from a loose gas cap to more severe problems like a malfunctioning oxygen sensor or catalytic converter. While it's easy to ignore this light, doing so can lead to more significant issues down the line. Our team at Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately determine the cause of the alert and provide effective solutions, ensuring your engine's longevity. 4. Poor Fuel Economy Noticing a sudden decrease in your vehicle's fuel efficiency? This could be due to several engine-related issues, including dirty air filters, faulty spark plugs, or improper tire pressure. Regular maintenance checks at Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro can help identify and rectify these issues, improving your car's performance and fuel economy. 5. Engine Knocking A knocking sound from your engine can indicate premature detonation of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders, which can damage engine components over time. This can be caused by using the wrong type of fuel, carbon build-up, or other factors. Our experts at Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro can help diagnose the cause of the knocking and suggest the best course of action to prevent further damage. Preventative Maintenance: Your Best Defense The key to avoiding engine problems is regular, preventative maintenance. At Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro, we recommend following your vehicle's maintenance schedule, which includes regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and inspections. Our team is dedicated to providing thorough and efficient service, ensuring your vehicle remains in top condition.  Why Choose Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro? At Buckley's Auto Care Millsboro, we're more than just a service center; we're a part of the Millsboro, DE community. Our commitment to excellence and customer service sets us apart. We understand the importance of trust and reliability in auto care, which is why we strive to provide transparent, high-quality services tailored to your vehicle's needs.
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Welcome to Buckley's Auto Care, Millsboro, DE's premier destination for all your automotive needs. Today, we're diving into a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance – your braking system. Understanding the top signs that your brakes need professional attention can be the difference between a safe drive and a risky one. So, let's get started! 1. Squealing or Grinding Noises One of the first signs that your brakes require professional attention is when they start making unusual noises. If you hear a high-pitched squeal or a harsh grinding sound when you apply the brakes, it's a clear indicator that your brake pads are worn out. At Buckley's Auto Care, we recommend getting your brakes inspected as soon as these sounds appear. 2. Vibrations or Pulsating Brake Pedal When you press the brake pedal, it should be a smooth experience. If you feel vibrations or a pulsating sensation, it's often a sign that your brake rotors are warped. Warped rotors can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your brakes, and our team at Buckley's Auto Care is well-equipped to address this issue. 3. Longer Stopping Distances Noticing that your car takes longer to stop than usual can be subtle but it's an important sign that your brakes are not functioning optimally. This could be due to a variety of issues within the braking system, and our skilled technicians at Buckley's Auto Care can diagnose and rectify the problem efficiently. 4. Brake Warning Light Your vehicle's dashboard is designed to alert you to potential issues. If the brake warning light illuminates, it's a direct signal to have your brakes checked. At Buckley's Auto Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the root cause of the warning and ensure your safety on the roads of Millsboro, DE. 5. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal A brake pedal that feels unusually soft or sinks to the floor is a serious concern. It often indicates a problem with the brake fluid or a potential air leak in the brake lines. Our experts at Buckley's Auto Care can quickly identify and fix these issues, restoring the integrity of your braking system. 6. Unusual Odors During Braking If you detect a burning smell when applying your brakes, this is not something to ignore. Overheated brakes or clutches can produce such odors, and it's a clear sign that your brakes need immediate attention. Buckley's Auto Care is here to help, ensuring that your vehicle remains safe and reliable. 7. Vehicle Pulling to One Side When your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, it could be due to uneven brake pads or a malfunctioning caliper. Consistent and balanced braking is vital for your safety, and our team at Buckley's Auto Care is adept at correcting these imbalances. 8. Brake Fluid Leaks Brake fluid is essential for the hydraulic system of your brakes. If you notice any fluid leaks near the wheels, it's a red flag that your brake system could fail. Don't hesitate to bring your car to Buckley's Auto Care, where we can address leaks and refill fluids as needed.
Team and Paul Kares
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Having Fun While Giving Back It’s always such a great time when we have the chance to enjoy a dinner and show over at Paul’s Kitchen located on Cedar Grove Road in Lewes. Not only is it fun, but it’s also very rewarding to help Paul Cullen and his Paul Kares organization . Paul Kares is 501c that is dedicated to helping kids enter and succeed in the culinary or musical arts. Paul himself is a chef, sommelier and at one time was the bass player for the rock band, Bad Company . It’s pretty special to hear Paul and his band mates, Robbie LeBlanc and Tony Shiuto (Lead singer of Little River Band) get on stage and let loose on all of the old favorites. Not to mention that the youngster who sits “in the pocket” is Alex Fritzkee of the Fritzkee Brothers band. He’s 16 and wow, can he play! You have to go see him and his brother Drew. You won’t be dissappointed. Next time you want to see an intimate, live show with musical guests from around the corner or around the world, make a reservation at Paul’s Kitchen. You’ll not only have an amazing experience, you’ll be giving some kid a chance. #buckleysautocare #paulkares #theroomatcedargrove
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