When it comes to your continued safety, there’s no more important car component than your braking system. While it would be nice if your brakes always functioned the way they should, this isn’t the reality. Car braking systems can experience problems that may put you at risk.
To make sure you have consistent stopping power, it’s important to learn some of the red flags that indicate your brakes need professional attention. Here are some of the warning signs that your brakes need to be checked and advice for protecting yourself and your vehicle.
Pulling to One Side
One of the most noticeable warning signs your brakes need attention is your vehicle drifting to one side or the other when you press on the brake pedal. Whether your vehicle veers right or left while braking, pulling to one side can be a big problem with several possible causes.
In most cases, your car pulling sideways is a result of your brake pads wearing unevenly, although it may also be caused by a brake hose that’s collapsed or a jammed brake caliper. Since a vehicle drifting when braking can easily cause an accident, you should visit your local dealership as soon as possible if you’re experiencing this issue.
Noises From Your Brakes
Hearing odd noises when you brake your car is another big warning sign that you need to schedule an inspection right away. Squealing is one of the most common sounds you’ll hear when pressing your brake pedal. If you hear this noise, it means your brake pads are almost completely worn and need to be replaced.
Grinding is an even more serious sound that shouldn’t be ignored. When you brake your car and hear grinding, it means metal braking system parts are contacting each other, usually your rotors and calipers. This can cause serious damage in your braking system and needs professional attention immediately to protect your vehicle.
Brake Pedal Vibrations and Other Problems
Your brake pedal can sometimes let you know that you need to schedule a service appointment for your system. For instance, if you feel the pedal vibrating, this may mean that your brake rotors have become warped or have worn unevenly. If this has occurred, the effectiveness of your braking system will be limited.
Another issue to watch out for is if pressing your brake pedal is too easy. When pressing your pedal, there should be some resistance. If the pedal easily goes all the way to the floor, it means there’s an issue with your system. If the brake pedal is too easy to press, it could mean that your car is leaking braking fluid. This problem may also be a result of a faulty hydraulic system or completely worn brake pads.
When you press your brake pedal, you want to know that your vehicle will stop quickly and effectively. Fortunately, as long as you watch out for these common warning signs and schedule service from your local dealership, you should easily be able to maintain your car’s stopping power.
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Photo by Bien Stephenson | Licensed under cc by 2.0
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