Mar 9, 2021
Brake servicing is one of those routine maintenance chores you simply cannot ignore because these parts have a life span and they need to be serviced or even replaced at times to work properly.
Fortunately, cars are really good at telling us whether the brakes need to be serviced or replaced. Sometimes, the noises will be harmless and have simple fixes and other times, not.
Brakes are one of the most important safety components and if you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s time to get a professional involved.
When one of the red or yellow brake indicators on your dashboard lights up, it may mean that your car is just due for an inspection. It could also be your vehicle’s smart electronics alerting you to a serious problem.
If you start hearing a high-pitched noise when you apply the brakes, that’s likely the sound of the pad wear indicators which are made of steel. They’re letting you know that the pads are worn out and need to be replaced before you cause some rotor damage.
Grinding is something that you will also feel in the brake pedal and could mean a number of things like a stone caught in the caliper unit. However, if it’s been a while since you last had a brake service or check, you could be experiencing some metal on metal contact that could be creating grooves in your brake rotor.
Have you noticed a difference in the resistance from your brake pedal? If it feels ‘softer’ or sinks all the way to the floor mat when you press on you are in immediate need of a service as there could be air or moister in the braking system.
If your car starts pulling to one side when you’re driving, this can be due to a faulty brake hose or a caliper problem. One brake caliper could be applying more or all of the pressure during braking which can result in unbalanced stopping.
If you’re experiencing a soft brake pedal, it could also mean a fluid leak in the brake system. The master cylinder is the unit that creates the power for your brakes and has a reservoir that contains brake fluid.
6. Burning smell while driving
If you have noticed a sharp, chemical odour after repeated hard braking on steep roads this is a sign that your brakes are overheating or potentially an issue with your clutch. You must pull over immediately in a safe place and allow your brakes to cool. If you don’t, you risk bringing the brake fluid to boiling point which will result in brake failure.
Have you been experiencing any of the above tell-tale warning signs that your brakes have gone bad? Get quotes from local mechanics today here at MyCarNeedsA.com to find a reputable garage to carry out your brake repairs. Get your quotes!
