When you own a vehicle, it is important to know the signs that your brakes need to be repaired to stay safe and avoid costly repair bills. Your car is designed to let you know when the brakes need service or repair, so make sure you pay attention. Some of the most common signs of brake problems include:
Squealing or Screeching Sound While Braking
A high-pitched squealing or screeching sound while you are braking your vehicle typically means that the brake pads are wearing out and need to be replaced. If you neglect to replace the brake pads promptly, you may begin to hear a grinding sound while braking. It is not a good idea to continue driving your vehicle when you hear grinding while braking, as this often means that your brake pads are completely worn out and the brake calipers are rubbing against the rotors. Driving with completely worn out brake pads can result in warped rotors, which can be expensive to repair.
Pulling to One Side
There are a couple of issues that can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, but if it happens while you are slowing down or coming to a stop you should have your brakes inspected. One possible problem may be that a brake caliper on one side is stuck, which would cause friction on that side and result in the car veering in that direction while braking. Another cause of this type of issue could be a collapsed brake hose that causes the calipers to move unevenly when you're applying the brakes.
Vibrating Brake Pad
Your vehicle should come to a smooth stop when braking, but if you're brake pad is vibrating while you're slowing down, you have a problem. In many cases, a vibrating brake pad is the result of warped rotors that are hitting the brake pads in an uneven pattern. Warped rotors cannot be relied upon to safely brake a car, so it is in your best interest to have them replaced as soon as possible if they are no longer in good working order.
Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor
In a vehicle with a brake system in good repair, the brake pedal should be responsive to light pressure. If you find yourself having to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor just to stop your car, an immediate brake inspection is in order. This issue is usually caused by air in the brake lines, an air leak, or leaking brake fluid. Contact a business, such as Advanced Auto Care, for more information.
Share22 June 2016
When I started focusing more on car maintenance, it was astounding to see just how many things needed to be repaired on my car. I felt as if I was whittling away thousands of dollars worth of repairs, and it was really frustrating. However, I just focused on one thing at a time, and before I knew it, my car problems started to melt away. Within a few months, my car was functioning perfectly, and I wasn't worried about it starting each and every day. This blog is all about choosing better auto service and knowing which problems to address first.