Brakes
Squeals, grinding, a pedal that feels soft. Brakes are the first thing RT lists when they talk about the work they do.
Signs your brakes want a look
Tap the one that sounds like your car and the booking form starts with it filled in.
A squeal when you stop
Many brake pads have a small metal wear tab that squeals when the pads are getting thin. It is built to get your attention.
Book for thisGrinding or growling
Often a sign the pads are worn through and metal is touching metal. Waiting usually turns a pad job into rotors too.
Book for thisA soft or sinking pedal
If the pedal feels spongy or slowly sinks, there may be air or a leak in the brake system. Have it looked at before you drive much.
Book for thisPulling to one side
If the car drifts left or right when you brake, one side may be working harder than the other.
Book for thisShaking when you brake
A shudder through the pedal or steering wheel while braking often points to warped or uneven rotors.
Book for thisThe brake light is on
It can mean the parking brake is on, the fluid is low, or the system found a fault. Low fluid is worth a look soon.
Book for this
What brake work usually involves
Most brake work comes down to the parts that wear by design: pads (or shoes on some rear brakes), the rotors or drums they press against, and the fluid that carries your foot’s push to each wheel.
Catching wear early is what keeps the bill small. A squeal today is usually pads. A grind next month can be pads and rotors.
When you book, tell RT
The booking form asks for this in plain words. No car talk needed.
Book a drop-off- When the noise happens: every stop, hard stops, or only when cold
- Which corner it seems to come from, if you can tell
- Whether the pedal feels different than it used to
- Roughly when the brakes were last done