4 Signs Your Car's Brakes Need To Be Serviced
You may not think about them often when driving around town, but your vehicle's rakes play an integral role in the operation of your car as well as your safety. Keeping your brakes in good repair is essential, especially if you want to avoid the high repair costs that are associated with fixing brakes that have been neglected. Brakes rarely fail outright--there are usually warning signs that your brakes need to be serviced. Some common signs that your brakes are in need of repair include:
Strange Sounds
Brake pads do not last forever and will need to be replaced periodically as they wear down. Luckily, brake pads are designed to emit a loud squealing sound when the brakes are engaged to alert you of the fact that it is time for a brake service. Do not ignore the squealing from your brakes--driving with bad brake pads can affect how your car brakes and also cause a lot of damage to your brake system. If you begin to hear a grinding sound when braking, that means that your brake pads have completely worn out and need to be replaced immediately.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side
Several issues can cause a vehicle to pull in one direction, but if the pulling occurs only when braking it is most likely related to a problem with your brake system. Several things can cause pulling when braking: a collapsed brake hose can cause problems with the brake calipers moving evenly, your brake pads may be unevenly worn, or a brake caliper may be stuck on one side. Any time you notice that your car is pulling to one side, it is a good idea to visit to visit an auto repair shop as soon as possible to have the issue diagnosed and repaired.
Issues with the Brake Pedal
Your vehicle should brake smoothly when even pressure is applied to the brake pedal, so do not ignore a change in how your brake pedal is functioning. If you begin to notice that you have to press the pedal all the way to the floor during a normal stop, your brake pads may be worn, there could be air in the brake line, or the brake fluid may be leaking.
Vibration While Braking
If your car vibrates and shakes when coming to a stop, you may have warped rotors. The rotors in your vehicle can become warped if you have continued to drive after completely wearing through the brake pads, or if you put your automobile under stress by towing items on a regular basis. Replacing warped motors can be expensive, but it is not safe to drive for an extended period when your rotors are in bad repair.
For more information, contact Budget Automotive Center or a similar company.