Blog / Don Johnson's Hayward Motors Service

6 Signs Your GMC Needs a Brake Repair

March 21, 2024 · 3 min read

The brakes on every vehicle will eventually need some TLC. Sometimes the brakes just need regular maintenance and won't experience any major issues, but other times, you'll need to visit the GMC dealership for a more substantial brake repair.

6 Signs Your GMC Needs a Brake Repair at Your Local GMC Dealership

Are you experiencing any unusual sounds or sensations while driving your GMC? It might be time for a brake check. In this guide, we'll outline six key signs that indicate your GMC may need brake repairs. Remember, safety on the road is paramount, and addressing brake issues promptly can prevent more significant problems down the line. If you're in Hayward, WI, don't hesitate to visit Don Johnson's Hayward Motors Chevrolet for expert brake repair services tailored to your GMC vehicle.

1. Brake Pedal Vibrations

Have you noticed your brake pedal vibrating recently? If this happens during regular braking, then it typically indicates a problem. Here are some reasons your brake pedal may be vibrating when used:

Warped rotors
The car is out of alignment
Worn-down brake pads

2. Car Pulling

Does your car seem to pull to one side when you use the brakes, even if your steering wheel is straight? Usually, this means you have unevenly worn brake linings and that you need a brake adjustment. Foreign matter in the brake fluid can also cause your car to pull to one side when you activate the brakes, so be sure to get the brake fluid flushed approximately every two years.

3. Brake Pedal Problems

Does your brake pedal feel different or seem to be behaving differently? If so, then you may have a problem with the braking system. Fluid leaks and air leaks are two major causes of brake pedal problems. Here are some things that can happen to your brake pedal when there's an air or fluid leak:

The pedal feels soft
There's no resistance when using the pedal
The pedal sits low

4. Brake Noises

Are your brakes making noises when you use them? This usually means your brake pads need to be replaced. Brake pads have a brake pad wear indicator built into them, and this is meant to make a screeching sound when it presses against your rotors. This noise should alert you to the fact that your brake pads need to be changed.

If your brake pads aren't changed when needed, eventually, you may start hearing a grinding or growling sound when you step on the brake pedal.

5. Responsiveness Issues

Is it taking longer to stop the car when you step on the brake pedal? Usually, reduced brake responsiveness doesn't indicate a major problem with the braking system. It's typically just an air leak or brake fluid leak. However, brakes that aren't as responsive as they should be can endanger you, so you need to get to the dealer and have the system checked out ASAP.

6. Brake Fluid Leak

Have you spotted liquid next to your car? If you have a brake fluid leak, then the fluid will usually be black, brown, bluish, greenish, red, amber, or clear.

If you need a repair on your brakes, then come to Don Johnson's Hayward Motors Chevrolet in Hayward, WI. Call us at 715-475-1438 to schedule an appointment.

Expert Brake Repair Service in Hayward, WI

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Dec 11, 2023 in Don Johnson's Hayward Motors Service

5 Benefits of Getting OEM Parts for Your Chevy and GMC Repairs

When you know your car has parts that need replacing, it can be difficult to choose between aftermarket components and OEM parts when getting your repair. We always recommend getting OEM components right from your GMC dealer; that way, you're getting the best parts on the market. more 5 Benefits of Getting OEM Parts for Your Car Repairs from Your GMC Dealer 1. Quality and Compatibility Assurance OEM components are always exact matches for the parts they're replacing in your vehicle. This means they'll function exactly as the old part did before the old part became faulty. You already know the OEM component is compatible with your car and all the other parts around it. The fact that your new part is manufactured by the same people who made the original part in your car also tells you that your new part is of the same quality as the old part. Manufacturer-level quality is never guaranteed when you buy aftermarket parts. 2. Fast Access to Parts It's straightforward to get your hands on OEM components when you need them. Most dealerships have a supply of commonly replaced OEM components that they can fit into your car when you bring it in for a repair. If your dealer doesn't have the part you need, then they'll order it for you, as they have the ability to order parts straight from the manufacturer. 3. Long Lasting Parts As OEM components are very high quality, they'll last a lot longer in your car than aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts are sometimes made of weaker materials than OEM ones, causing them to break down and wear out faster. This leads to more frequent replacements, which is inconvenient and not very cost-effective. 4. Available Warranty OEM components tend to be under warranty from the manufacturer. So, if something unfortunate happens and your new part breaks, then you don't need to worry about paying for a replacement out-of-pocket. Aftermarket parts very rarely have warranties. When aftermarket components do have warranties, the warranties aren't always as good as the warranties for OEM components. 5. Faster Fitting Times It often takes less time to have an OEM component put into your car. This is because aftermarket parts sometimes need to be adjusted to fit properly, making them take longer to prepare and put into the car. OEM components need no adjustments, so you won't be without your car for as long as you would if you were having an aftermarket part put into it instead. We'll always use OEM components for your car, so come get all your repairs at Don Johnson's Hayward Motors. We'll make sure every part we put in your car is of the highest quality and is a perfect fit.