Not being able to stop fast enough or losing control of your brakes is a recipe for disaster on the roadway that can put not only your personal safety at risk, but the safety of others. For this reason, brakes are one the most important parts of your vehicle. Taking care of your brakes can decrease the risk of an accident and avoid costly brake repairs later on. When your car needs brake maintenance, it will let you know.
Here are some common signs that it’s time to visit a brake mechanic:
Your Car’s Check Brake Light is On
Cars have many different kinds of sensors within their systems to help alert you to malfunctions and when it’s time for maintenance. When one of these sensors picks up on an issue, it will send a signal that activates a light on your car’s dashboard. If the check brake light is on, then a sensor has noticed a problem with the brake system, even if it’s not showing obvious signs yet. When your check brake light is on, take the vehicle to a brake mechanic to identify the problem and fix it. You may be able to solve the problem in its early stages before any damage is done to your vehicle.
You Hear Noises When You Brake
When your car is in need of new brake pads, the most common noise you will hear is a high-pitched squealing sound. Sometimes, the noise is loud enough to hear even with windows rolled up. This sound is produced by a piece within your car’s braking system called the wear indicator, which is connected to the brake pads. When the brake pads become too thin, the wear indicator emits the high-pitched sound in order to let you know. It indicates that the caliper, which squeezes down on the rotor to slow the car, is starting to rub against the rotor. Normally, the brake pads are what separates the caliper and rotor and prevents this from happening.
It’s also possible that you may hear an even worse sound that indicates a more serious problem. This noise sounds like grinding metal, and it means that the brake pads have been worn all the way through. The caliper is now rubbing directly against the rotor, which can mean serious and more expensive damage. It also becomes a safety issue because it will be very difficult to stop your vehicle.
Car Pulls to One Side When You Brake
Usually, when pressing the brakes makes your car veer to one direction, then something has become asymmetrical in your brake system. Some of the things that could be wrong are a stuck caliper on one side, uneven brake pads, or a broken brake hose that causes the calipers to move out of sync. The problem could also be in another area of your car, like your tires. To be safe, get it checked out.
You Feel Vibration or Shuddering When Braking
If you feel vibration or shaking in your brake pedal or steering wheel, it is likely the effects of an uneven or worn rotor in your brake system. Just like when a caliper rubs through the brake pads and grinds against the rotor, there are other activities that can deform the rotor as well, like, putting lots of stress on your brakes by driving up steep inclines or towing a lot of weight. The uneven surface of the rotor is what causes the shaking response when the calipers clamp down. You had better get this looked at, because if you feel vibrations or shaking when braking, the brakes won’t be working as well as they should.
The Brake Pedal is Slow to Respond
Having a brake that doesn’t engage until the pedal is to the floor could be a sign of multiple things. The simple one is that your brake pads are worn so it requires more force to make them work. Another issue may involve the hydraulic system of the vehicle. For the brakes to engage, they must be triggered by the brake fluid. It’s possible that the brake fluid could be leaking or that there is another problem with hydraulics. Some other possibilities are the vacuum system or a brake line obstruction. All of them make the brakes extremely difficult to use and should be repaired immediately.
Is your car showing any of these signs? It’s time to get your brakes checked by the experts at Brakes-4-Less!
Brakes are an important part of every vehicle and necessary for safe driving. When things go wrong, you shouldn’t wait for an accident to happen. At Brakes-4-Less, we can have your brakes fixed or replaced on the same day and at an affordable price. Our packages can help to save you time and money. But most importantly, our brake mechanics will ensure you have a safe drive. Stop by one of our brake shops for quality brake work![/column]
Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Checks
How do I know when to get my brakes checked?
Common signs your car needs its brakes checked include:
- Your car’s check brake light is on
- You hear abnormal noises when you brake
- The car or steering wheel vibrates when braking
- The car pulls to one side when you brake
- Your brake pedal is slow to respond when you brake or is too soft
How often should brakes be changed?
You should take your car in for a brake inspection every six months, or every 6,000-8,000 miles. This is also a good time to get your tires rotated, top off your oil if needed, and have your car inspected for any general maintenance or repairs.
