How to tell if your Brakes need Repair
Your brakes are an essential part of your vehicle’s function. It’s important to keep them in the best condition possible mainly for safety reasons, but also for your car’s well being. Therefore, at the first sign of poor brake quality or damage, get your car in to the repair shop and have it checked out.
Warning Signs that your Brakes are Going Bad
You might be wondering how to detect that your brakes are going bad. Here are some of the main symptoms you’ll notice when your cars brakes are in need for repair.
- Burning Smell: If you smell your brakes burning or notice a “hot” smell, as well as experience difficulty stopping or needing to pump the brakes, this is due to too much heat building around your brake system. This will lead to brake failure, so it is crucial to get them repaired immediately.
- Car is Pulling to One Side: You’ll know if your brakes need to be adjusted when you try to stop and the car pulls to one side. This causes uneven brake wear and will make your car difficult to handle when you try to stop, especially when driving at a higher speed and needing to stop quickly.
- Squeaking Noises: The first sign of brake wear is typically a squeaking noise that occurs when applying the brake. This means your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. Not doing so will lead to massive and costly repairs later on, so get it done as soon as possible.
- Grinding Noise: If you chose not to replace your brakes pads when your brakes were squeaking, you will eventually hear a grinding noise. This means your pads are completely gone and your brake system is now metal-on-metal. This is a serious issue and needs to be taken care of immediately.
- Breaks Require too Much Pressure: If you need to put more pressure on the brake pedal than you should have to, this means the vacuum assist unit has a leak. This particular part is what makes pressing the pedal easier, so it is important to get it repaired. Like every other brake issue, it could lead to a dangerous situation.
Addressing your Brake Issue
If you experience any of the above symptoms, get your car to the repair shop as soon as possible. It is tempting to put off repairs to avoid another bill, but keep in mind that a poor brake system is dangerous. A properly functioning brake system ensures safety to your passengers, other drivers, and of course, yourself. So don’t wait to get your brakes repaired. If you know something is wrong, get on it before it’s too late.
Turnpike Tire and Auto is more than willing to take a look at your brake system and apply the proper repairs. Our experienced and professional staff can handle all of your auto repair needs!
