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Your Nissan's brakes are very responsive and can stop your vehicle almost instantly when needed. This is important, as good brakes can be the difference between a near miss and a front-end collision. In time, the brake components wear out, and your brakes become less responsive until repaired. As your Nissan dealer in Bowie, MD, we'd like you to know some signs you need to visit us for a brake inspection. Signs You Need a Brake Inspection at Your Nissan Dealer Glazed Brake Pads Brake pads have a rough material covering and fit into the calipers using clips or pins. When you hit the brakes, the calipers close on the wheel rotors, and the brake pads generate friction against the rotors, bringing them to a stop. Once you take your foot off the brake, the calipers are withdrawn until the next time. Glazing occurs if a pad is kept against the rotor for too long. This can happen with older pads if you must brake frequently over a short period or if its caliper doesn't fully retract as it should. Constant contact with the rotor turns a pad's surface smooth and glass-like. A glazed pad can't produce friction and could cause your Nissan to veer to one side when you brake. We can replace a glazed pad in minutes to fix this problem. more Low Brake Fluid Brake fluid provides the hydraulic power that forces the calipers against the rotors. It's highly pressurized, and you can feel this by the resistance generated when you push down on the brake pedal. The combination of heat and pressure in the braking system can cause damage to the brake hoses or brake lines over time, and brake fluid can leak. You'll feel a lack of fluid as your pedal needs to be pushed harder for your brakes to engage, as the pedal provides little resistance. A brake fluid leak is serious, as a lack of fluid can cause your brakes to fail. We'll trace and repair the leak, then refill your brake fluid. Grinding Noises The two main causes of grinding noises are badly worn brake pads or something lodged in a brake caliper. A stone or other rough object could lodge in a brake caliper, damaging it further each time you brake or damaging the rotor, depending on the object's location. We'll check the calipers and remove the object. Severely worn brake pads have lost their material covering. Each time you brake, the metal brake pad grinds against the rotor. This can cause serious damage to the rotor if it continues. We'll replace the pads and repair or replace the rotors. If you have a brake problem, contact our service department ASAP at Nissan of Bowie in Bowie, MD.

Before you drive your vehicle, you must always ensure that everything functions properly, and that starts with the parts you use. Do you want to use more affordable aftermarket alternatives or OEM parts from your Nissan dealer? There are good reasons to stick with the real thing, even though the aftermarket replacements might seem like a good deal. 1. Guaranteed Quality Any part that goes into your Nissan is thoroughly inspected and tested to ensure it meets recognized quality standards and applicable regulations. What's more, these parts are made from high-quality materials that meet the design specifications and standards required for reliable performance. Aftermarket parts, in contrast, may not always adhere to the same stringent quality control, leading to decreased performance or no guarantee of success. more 2. Perfect Fit and Compatibility When you choose a Nissan original part, you can forget about compatibility headaches or fiddling with modifications. These parts fit perfectly, reducing the risk of installation issues and minimizing wear on other components. Plus, they help keep your vehicle running at its best, just like the day it rolled off the lot. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are usually made to fit various car models, which could lead to poor fit and compatibility issues. They can put unnecessary strain on other components of your car, causing them to fall apart faster and require more frequent repairs. 3. Warranty In the rare case where a genuine part needs attention due to an error on the manufacturer's end, Nissan will provide a replacement or repair at no cost to you. While a non-OEM part might come with a warranty, you risk voiding your car's warranty coverage. 4. Safety and Peace of Mind Nissan knows that safety isn't just a priority; it's the whole point of driving. That's why its original parts are crafted to meet top-notch standards and keep you protected. On the flip side, non-genuine parts are available everywhere. You may find it challenging to determine whether you're buying a dependable product because it may look just like the original part. This lack of assurance can lead to unexpected issues on the road, potentially putting you and your passengers at risk. 5. Easy Ordering Why spend hours hunting down aftermarket parts, bouncing between websites, and sorting through a jungle of brands and their endless specs? Just head to your nearest dealer for genuine parts. They fit right, perform as required, and save you the hassle of chasing down every little detail. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to buy genuine parts. Visit Nissan of Bowie in Bowie, MD, for the finest selection of authentic Nissan parts and accessories. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the exact part you need to keep your car running smoothly.