If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about what happens when you push on the brake pedal.
When it comes to your brakes, you probably aren’t aware of how much wear and tear they go through on a daily basis and you’re just happy that when someone stops suddenly in front of you, your brakes come into effect and stop you from hitting the car in front.
Auto maintenance is not particularly interesting to a lot of men and women, and many of us don’t really wonder what goes on under the hood until there’s a problem.
However, if you’ve noticed strange noises in your vehicle or its taking longer for you to come to a stop, you might want to think about getting your brakes changed.
Follow our checklist below to see whether its time you got yourself some new brakes.
Noise
Brake noise is very common and can mean either your brakes are dirty, or they are worn down to the bare metal. If you are hearing squeaking when stopping but the braking performance is perfectly fine, chances are high your brakes just need to be cleaned. However, if the squeak is very loud and almost sounds like scraping, it’s probably because your brake pads have worn down to the metal and are scraping against the rotor or drum.
Feel
A lack of braking pressure can be scary as it requires more pedal movement to stop the vehicle and often, a longer distance to come to a complete stop. This can be a result of leaking callipers, brake cylinders, brake lines or air on the braking system.
Steering
Steering is a common issue and doesn’t always mean the brakes are bad it usually means they are simply deformed. A shaking steering wheel when braking is usually a sign of a warped brake rotor. These can be fixed by having the rotor machined, or turned, but the longer you wait, the more likely the fix will require an entire brake rotor replacement costing you more.
Pulling
If your vehicle ‘pulls’ to one side while braking, it may be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is a foreign matter in the brake fluid. You vehicle may need a brake adjustment or to have the fluid drained and replaced.
Vibrations
Vibrations are often a symptom of warped rotors. The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes.
It is a sign of warped rotors if the vibration occurs during braking situations when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged. Warped rotors are caused by severe braking for long periods, such as when driving down a steep hill or mountain or even when towing. Tremendous amounts of friction are created under these conditions, heating up the rotors and causing them to warp. The vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly.
If you notice any of the above signs in your vehicle, it may be a good idea to have your brakes checked over. Why not contact us today to book your car in with one of our professionally trained mechanics.
