Brake Repair: Some of the Most Common Problems

No one gets to own a car for years without needing brake repair at some point or another. If you listen closely to your braking system and take it in for maintenance when you sense trouble, you can ensure that these trips to the mechanic don't cost you an arm and a leg. Of course, to know when trouble may be brewing, you have to know what kinds of problems you're likely to run into. You don't need to be a car mechanic to learn a little bit about what causes your car to stop. Just a little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to being proactive about maintenance. Here are some of the most common braking problems. Wear Even under optimum conditions and the best driving habits you can muster, your braking system is going to take some wear with regular use. The pads aren't meant to last forever and they will eventually wear down. Fortunately, most pads come with some warning signals that will tell you when it is time to change them out. If you hear squeaking, squealing, or grinding when you apply the brakes, it could be time to take the car in for brake repair. In most cases, it will just be a matter of putting on some new pads and sending you on your way. Many mechanics will do this for less than $100, depending on the vehicle. Rotor Damage Brake repair may be necessary if you get a pulsing sensation upon applying the braking pedal. This is often a sign of warped rotors, which can happen when excess heat or bad tightening affects the metal. Not only is this pulsating sensation an annoyance, it can be dangerous. This is one of those problems more commonly seen with newer cars than older ones and one of the few times when an old timer can say, "they don't make 'em like they used to," and not just be blowing hot air. In any event, if you feel this pulsing, take your car in to a good mechanic and have them take a look. Avoiding Problems You can avoid some of the most common brake repair issues (or at least postpone them) by straying away from some bad habits. If you're a two-footed driver, you should really consider moving to a one-footed system. People who drive with both feet often have a tendency to lightly ride the brakes. Not only does this aggravate other drivers who have no way of trusting your taillights, it can wear out your pads much more quickly than would otherwise be the case. You should also bring your car in for preventative maintenance every so often to make sure major problems aren't developing.