Can You Sense Needed Brake Repair?

The senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. can be used to discover when you need brake repair. (Perhaps the fifth sense, taste, can be used too, but I'm not quite sure how.) If you're in tune to your senses, you may be better equipped to keep your brakes in good working order, helping you avoid both costly repairs and unnecessary collisions.

Using Your Sense of Sight

The first way you can use your sense of sight to avoid having your brakes fail you, is to notice the indicator light that says "ABS" or "brakes," depending on the vehicle you drive. Many drivers ignore these warning signs, hoping they are false alarms. However, you should pay attention to these lighted warnings and have your vehicle serviced, right away. Another way you may be able to see the need for brake repair is by seeing fluid pooling near your wheels. If you look under the hood and check the fluid, check to see whether it's low or dirty; if it is, you need to add more or change it out so it can again lubricate and cool effectively.

Using Your Sense of Hearing

If you hear sounds like squealing, grinding, or metal-on-metal emanating from beneath you whenever you stop, you may need to get your brakes checked out. You also may need to turn down your radio or remove road kill or welding supplies from the undercarriage of your vehicle, so check to make sure those issues are in check before you go to the mechanic. If you're hearing metal-on-metal, even driving to your local garage may put you (and others) in danger, so calling a tow truck may be a good idea.

Using Your Sense of Smell

While revving your engine and burning rubber may be seen as cool, if you smell (or see) smoke coming from your brakes, they need to be serviced. Basically, the friction that causes your vehicle to stop can also create heat and cause damage to your wheels, tires, and braking system, particularly if the fluid that's supposed to cool and lubricate is low, dirty, or otherwise ineffective.

Using Your Sense of Touch

I do not recommend actually touching your brakes, pads, or any other part of your braking system—at least not when they may be hot. However, as you drive your vehicle, you may feel signs of needing brake repair. If you notice your vehicle jerking when you stop, the brakes could be grabbing. If it pulls to one side when you apply your brakes, that could also indicate the need for repairs.
More serious feelings involve the touch of your braking pedal. If it's hard to push, unstable, or easy to press all the way to the floor, you could be in serious danger, if you continue driving.

Hopefully, you're now better equipped to sense the need for brake repair, helping you avoid extra expenses or unneeded risks.