Brake Repair Warning Signs You Should Heed

All types of vehicles require maintenance and repairs of some sort over time. The various systems that make a car run correctly can become worn out or malfunction with extended use. Periodically, these mechanisms need to be properly serviced to extend the overall life of the automobile. Most people know about basic auto care, like oil changes, but they often overlook many other major mechanical needs. One item that should never be ignored is the brakes. Recognizing a problem with your brakes as soon as it comes up can save you, not only from bigger more expensive problems, but also from having an accident. There are many different warning signs that can alert you when a brake repair is needed.

Many people are neglectful about proper vehicle maintenance, especially when it comes to their brakes. They often simply do not know when it is time to get the brakes repaired because they are unaware of the key warning signs to look or listen for. While it is never a good idea to ignore any type of car problem, it is absolutely imperative to take care of issues with the car’s brakes as soon as they arise. This can not only help you avoid more expensive types of fixes, but can also help prevent you from having an accident. Knowing the signs that indicate a needed repair will ensure that you can address the problems as soon as possible.

The first thing you can do is perform a visual inspection of the brake pads. You do not have to take the car apart to see the pads, but simply look through the holes in the tire rims. Typically, the pads should be at least a quarter inch thick and the outer pad will be visible right next to a metal rotor. If you feel that you cannot see them well enough to diagnose a problem, many mechanics offer free brake inspections. Some experts even recommend a professional inspection at least once a year.

The most common type of noise that signifies the brake repair is needed is a high-pitched squealing sound during application. It is usually loud enough to hear with the windows up. The sound may have other causes, but if you hear it during every stop, it is most likely time to replace the brake pads. If you hear a grinding noise, it is a sign that the pads have been completely worn. In this situation, a mechanic is likely to recommend that the rotors need to be turned. When the pads are totally worn, the disc and caliper will rub together when you apply brakes. This can cause the surface of the rotors to become uneven. When the rotors need to be turned or replaced, the repair costs are usually much higher.

Other warning signs involve how the car feels when you apply the brakes. If the brake pedal is hard and requires heavy pressure, it can point to a problem with the brake linings or the anti-lock braking system. In other circumstances, the pedal may feel mushy or sink all the way to the floor. This is a sign of either an air leak in the brake hose or a fluid leak. You can easily check for a fluid leak by looking for a puddle where you park the vehicle. Brake fluid looks like oil, but does not feel as greasy. If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal, the rotors may be warped. This usually occurs when you have applied heavy brakes for a long period of time. When the car pulls to one side during stopping, it may be because of uneven wear in the brake linings. This is also symptomatic of a foreign substance in the fluid, which may need to be drained and replaced.

If you experience any one of these indicators of brake problems, take immediate action to correct the problem. Prolonging a necessary fix can not only result in more costly brake repair, but can also lead to a collision when the brakes eventually fail.