Current cars have many safety improvements that can prevent you from having an accident. The most vital part of the car that can prevent accidents, however, are the brakes. Keep your brakes in good repair so you won’t be the victim of a front end crash. Pay attention to the signs that brakes are having trouble and get our car to the shop to get them fixed as soon as possible.
1. Soft Brake Pedal
You notice that the brake pedal in your car can be depressed easily, or it rests closer to the floor. There is a chance that something is wrong with your brakes. It is possibly a brake fluid leak. Leaking brakes are a dangerous situation and could cause you to lose all braking. Brake master cylinders or individual wheel cylinders can leak and also cause problems.
2. Dashboard Indicator Light
Technology has given us sensors for just about everything. Sensors include the brake system. A dashboard indicator light may light up if a problem with your brakes is detected. The light will read ABS, which stands for antilock braking system.
3. Car Pulls When Braking
Do you find your car going left or right when applying the brakes? This is another indicator that there is something that is preventing the brakes from operating correctly. You could also have impurities in the brake fluid or irregular brake pad wear, causing your car to pull when you brake.
4. Shaking in the Steering Wheel
Vibration in the steering wheel could mean your brake rotors that sit inside the wheels are worn. Rotors need to be smooth, and even in thickness so your brakes will work properly.
5. Grinding Noise When Braking
A common sign of brake problems is a screeching or grinding noise that happens when you apply the brakes. Perhaps the pads on your brakes have completely worn away, and metal is grinding on metal. Get your car to an auto repair shop ASAP if you hear grinding noises when braking.
Grinding noises can also be gravel or rocks caught in the caliper, or you may have gone too long without a brake check. Grinding could also indicate a lack of lubrication in vehicles with rear drum brakes. Rust could also cause grinding noises. Whatever it is, get it checked out as soon as possible.
6. Brake Pedal Vibrates
If your brake vibrates, this can be an indication that the rotors need to be machined to a fine finish. The rotors are the parts of the system that the brake pads push against to produce the friction that stops your car. If the rotors do not have a smooth surface, the surface area available for the brake pads to use is diminished and your braking power is greatly reduced.
Sensations, sounds, and smells signal brake problems. If you hear noises like squealing, rubbing, grinding, or screeching, these are normal signs that your brake system requires attention. Address any brake noise before worn brake parts, including brake pads, cause harm to other parts of the brake system. Brakes can be expensive to fix if you let your brakes go without preventive or restorative care.
Need to get a brake check in Buda TX? Reliable Automotive offers free brake checks at any of our three locations. Call today to make an appointment at one of our Kyle, Buda, or San Marcos auto shops.
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