Faulty brakes on your vehicle put you and other road users at risk while you’re out and about. Whether they’re just in need of some good TLC or they’re not safely functioning, getting your brakes checked and serviced as soon as possible will ensure that you and other drivers remain safe while you’re out on the road. If you’re not sure whether your brakes are in need of some TLC or something more in-depth, here are some of the top signs to look out for.
Warning Lights
This may seem like an obvious one, but a surprising number of drivers ignore warning lights on their vehicles if there aren’t any other obvious symptoms. The warning lights on your vehicle are there to help you determine when there is an issue with your vehicle and when you need to seek help from a professional to diagnose and repair the problem. If your brake warning lights have come on, it’s better to be safe and have them checked out by a qualified mechanic. In some vehicles, the warning light could mean something as simple as the brake pads nearing the end of their life, but it is always better to have this checked and fixed as soon as possible.
Strange Noises
Hearing strange noises when applying the brakes is one sign of brake problems that you should never ignore. Screeching, for example, could mean that your brake pads are getting low and need to be replaced soon and while this doesn’t mean they are about to give out at any second, are a warning that you should book your vehicle in as soon as possible. If you’re hearing screeching after getting new brake pads, or if your brake pads appear to be fine, this could be a sign that the rotors are glazed or warped. This could be caused by excessive braking that burns at the metal.
Grinding sounds from your brakes, on the other hand, is a sign that you’ve gone past the warning screech and straight into the brake pads being worn down completely. Replacement of brake pads at this stage isn’t always possible or advised, and you may need to have the rotors and other brake system elements replaced too depending on how much damage has been done.
Spongey or Soft Feeling
If using the brake pedal doesn’t feel right and has a spongey or soft feeling when being pressed, this could indicate a fluid or air leak somewhere in the system. Brake fluid can leak from anywhere in the system, but an air leak is likely to be from the brake hose – a full diagnosis of the problem will source this problem and we can repair this for you to get you back on the road safely. On the other hand, if your brakes feel suddenly hard, there could be a blockage in the system, such as in the brake line.
Vibration When Braking
If you’ve been experiencing vibration either through the brake pedal or through your steering wheel whenever you press the brakes, this could be a sign that the rotors have warped. While this can be caused by improper driving of your vehicle, this could also be because of old and thin rotors that have warped over time. Whatever the case, these need to be replaced as soon as possible. Vibration in the steering wheel could also be caused by a misalignment somewhere in the braking system and should be looked at closely by a professional to be sure.
The Car Pulls To One Side
If your car pulls to one side when braking, this could be a sign that the brake linings are wearing down unevenly and need adjustment or in some cases, replacement depending on the severity of the wear. Dirt and debris in the brake fluid can also cause the same problem and in this case, you should have the fluid drained and replaced to solve the issue.
If you’re unsure as to whether your brakes are in need of some TLC, our team are always on hand to help diagnose and fix any problems you might have. Give us a call for advice, or book your car servicing or repairs appointment with us, today.