Brake Repair: Problems To Watch Out For

There are few car problems that can put you and your passengers in more danger than those that can attack the braking system. Getting prompt and competent brake repair when something goes wrong is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. Although unwise, many car owners get into the habit of ignoring problems when they arise or putting off actually going to a mechanic. This is a bad idea when it comes to the engine or the transmission, as it can cost a lot more in the long run. When it comes to your car's stopping mechanisms, however, you could be taking a bigger risk and putting yourself in harm's way. Here are some of the problems you need to watch out for.

Squealing and Grinding

These are two telltale signs that you may need brake repair. If you step on the braking pedal and experience squealing or grinding, it is often a sign that your pads are wearing away and need to be replaced. This is usually a very inexpensive fix and thus should be done as soon as possible. Problems arise when you ignore these sounds. Then you can risk the calipers digging directly into the rotors, which are a lot more expensive to replace than the pads. Of course, your actual ability to stop the car will also degrade, which is never a good thing.

Shaking Steering Wheel

Other than your typical squealing and grinding sounds that most people know to address, having pulsation and a shaking steering wheel upon depressing the pedal is among the most common issues across the board. There are several things that could lead to this sensation. The rotors could have become warped for some reason or there could rust along the rotors causing hot spots when you try to stop. If you get brake repair early enough, you're probably looking at a quick and inexpensive fix. Usually, a good mechanic will simply resurface the rotors, which should be enough to fix the issue.

Entire Car Shaking

Sometimes shaking goes beyond the steering wheel. If the whole car shakes upon depressing the pedal, the problem probably goes beyond hot spots on the rotor or warping. The problem is often with the rear braking system, though not always. Take it into your favorite brake repair shop and have them take a look at the rear drums to see if the problem lies there. They may need to resurface or replace the drums if this is the case.