How to Sense If You're in Need of Brake Repair

Most people invest in an automobile to help them go places. But being able to stop when you need to can be just as important as being able to go. There are a lot of warning signs to find out when you may be in need of a brake repair - before it's too late.

Listen up

Several early signs of brake wear and tear can only be detected once you turn down the stereo and open your ears. A squeaking or squealing noise when you push down on the brake pedal could be a bad sign. It is common to hear a loud screech when slamming on your brakes in an emergency situation or to hear a little squeaking after your brakes get wet. However, if you hear a loud persistent squeaking, it could be something worse. Clean the area behind each wheel to make sure it is not just dirt and dust. If the noise persists, take it into the shop.

A squealing noise emanating from the brakes is typically a sign of a worn-out brake pad. It is important to quickly replace the pads because without them, a dangerous metal-to-metal contact occurs. This can damage the brake system and even cause accident or injury to you because the brakes are less likely to function in an emergency situation.

Bad Vibrations

Most drivers can feel a little bit of a hum from the motor while sitting in their cars. However, if the vibrations increase to the point where your can see your steering wheel and other interior parts shaking, it may be a sign that you are in need of brake repair. A rumbling in the seats is typically a sign that the back brakes need work, while a shaky steering wheel would mean you should check your front brakes.

Vibrations are usually symptomatic of problems with the rotor, the disc-shaped piece that the brake pads clamp down on in order to stop your vehicle.

Another way you can feel your brakes failing is if you find them to be increasingly loose. For instance, maybe when you first bought your vehicle, it would jerk to a stop when your foot simply tapped the brake pedal. Years later, your foot may be almost down to the floorboard before the car comes to a complete stop. You may want to go in for a brake repair to replace the pads and tighten things up.

Open your eyes

Of course, the most obvious way to tell that you need to get your car to a repair shop ASAP is the brake warning light on your dashboard. By the time this light comes on, at least some damage has probably occurred within your braking system, and your car needs to be serviced immediately. Your safety and the well-being of your car are at stake.

Brake systems are complex, and these are just a few common symptoms and causes. The point, though, is to take your vehicle into a repair shop so that a professional can assess the problem with his own eyes and get you back on the road quickly and safely.


Article Source: Aloysius Aucoin