These 7 signs of brake problems are not to be ignored
Routine maintenance is important for your vehicle. It’s easy to forget about oil changes and brake servicing. Your family’s safety on roads is dependent upon your car’s brakes. If you notice any of these warning signs, maintain your brakes.
7 Signs Your Brake Needs Repair
You can usually tell if your car or truck has problems with its brakes by looking at it. But it would be best if you were attentive. These are the signs it is time to replace your car brakes in brisbane.
- The Brake Light is On
The dashboard brake light is the best way to see if your brakes need servicing. It’ll usually be either yellow, orange, or red and easily visible. It’s time for a brake inspection when the brake light turns on. Depending on your vehicle’s warranty, these inspections can be performed by auto repair shops or dealerships.
- Vibration while driving
Vibration in the steering wheel when driving is another sign of brake problems. Uneven rotors could be the reason your steering wheel vibrates when you drive. To check your brake system, you must take the vehicle to a mechanic.
What is a Brake Rotor?
The brake rotor is the disc that sits inside your vehicle’s wheels. The brake pedal presses the brake pad to compress the brake pads on the rotor. This will slow down the wheels and eventually stop them. Smooth rotors all the way around are the best for car brakes. The rotor can wear down over time and rust can develop. An auto technician will typically smoothen the rotor’s surface to fix any irregularities.
- Grinding or making a squealing sound while driving or braking
If your car makes unusual noises while driving, it should be checked by a professional. Two things can indicate problems with your brakes.
Makes a squealing sound while driving
Your brake pads could need to be replaced if you hear a loud, high-pitched clicking while driving. The brake pad wear indicators contact the rotor, causing the squealing sound.
Grinding noises while you brake
There are many reasons why a grinding sound while braking could indicate a problem. A rock could be stuck in the brake caliper, or the brake pads could have worn out completely. Multiple issues can cause grinding noises while braking so make sure you take your vehicle to a local auto shop as soon as possible.
- Leaking Fluid
A service technician should be called if your brakes are not working properly and fluid is leaking from your vehicle. This will help determine if the problem is in the master cylinder, or elsewhere within your brake system. Your vehicle may leak brake fluid. This could cause the brake pads not to wear down.
- Soft Brake Pedal
Pay attention to how resistant your brake pedal is. You should immediately take your vehicle in for service if it feels soft or spongey. This could be due to multiple issues. You must inspect your brakes immediately, as they are vital for your safety.
- Driving with a Burning Smell
If you notice something unusual while driving, pull over immediately. If you notice a chemical smell when you brake hard, it could be a sign that your clutch or brakes are overheated. Overheated brakes could cause brake failure. Make sure you have your brake system checked as soon as you can.
- When you brake, the car pulls to one side
You may need to replace the brake hose or caliper if your vehicle pulls towards one side while you brake. The car will stop unevenly if one of the brake calipers applies more pressure during braking to one side than the other.
Common Causes of Brake Failure
Every year, brake failure is responsible for hundreds of car crashes. Owner neglect is the number one reason for brake failure. Neglecting to maintain your brakes regularly can lead to long-term damage. The following are other causes of brake failure:
- Overheated brake pad. Brake pad overheating from excessive use. Brake pads can become brittle over time and will need to be replaced.
- Rotor disk damage. This reduces the life expectancy of your brake pads and makes it more difficult to stop your car.
- A leaking hydraulic fluid. Your brakes could fail if the fluid becomes contaminated. To ensure that no leaking hydraulic lines have infiltrated your brake system, you should have a brake inspection done on your vehicle.
- Driving in the mud. Water or mud can reduce friction between brake pads and rotor disks. This could make braking more difficult.
- Low hydraulic brake fluid pressure. It’s almost impossible to stop your car quickly.
- Do not overload your vehicle. This can cause you to be unable to stop quickly. Be sure to load your car properly.
