Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car, so it’s important to keep them in good working order. But how can you tell if your brakes need to be repaired? Here are a few signs to watch out for.
Squealing or Grinding Noises When You Brake
If you hear squealing or grinding noises whenever you brake, it’s a good sign that your brake pads need to be replaced. The squealing noise is usually caused by a metal tab that’s attached to the brake pad wearing down. Once the tab is completely worn away, the only thing separating the metal of the brake pad from the metal of the rotor is a thin layer of friction material. That’s what causes the grinding noise. If you let it go too long, you’ll end up needing to replace both the brake pads and the rotors. So if you hear any squealing or grinding, bring your car in for brake repair as soon as possible.
Your Car Pulls to One Side When You Brake
If your car starts pulling to one side or the other when you brake, it’s likely that your brake calipers are sticking. The calipers are what press the brake pads against the rotors to create friction and slow your car down. Over time, they can start to stick, which prevents them from releasing properly and can cause your car to pull to one side when you brake. This is definitely a problem you’ll want to get fixed sooner rather than later-otherwise, you could find yourself in an accident.
It Takes Longer Than Usual for Your Car to Stop
If it seems like it’s taking longer than usual for your car to come to a stop, that could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your brakes. It could be that your brake fluid is low, meaning there’s not enough fluid pressing against the pads to create friction. Or it could be that your pads have worn down so much that they’re not creating as much friction as they used to. Either way, it’s definitely something you should have checked out by a professional.
Keep an eye out for these three signs that you need brake repair, and don’t hesitate to bring your car into our shop as soon as you notice any of them. The sooner you get your brakes fixed, the safer you’ll be on the road-and isn’t your safety always worth it?
