Signs That You Need To Check Your Brakes
If you own a car, you certainly want to keep it in peak condition in order to be certain that you will be able to use it as long as possible. One major part of your car that you need to stay on top of are your brakes. You know that if your brakes should stop working, your car will become dangerous. Here are some warning signs that signify that you should take your car into an auto shop so that they can look at the brakes.
1. When You Start to Brake, You Hear a High-Pitched Squealing
Try to make it a habit to drive without any music or podcasts playing in your car, preferably when you are in stop and go traffic or trying to control your speed going down a hill. You want to be using your brakes a lot during this period in order to be sure that you are able to hear any high-pitched squealing, if it exists. If you hear this noise, then that's a sign that your brake pads have worn thin and need to be replaced. At the same time, listen for a grinding whenever you brake. This is a sign that you have passed the point of having thin brake pads and are now at the point of having worn through your brake pads. If you hear either squealing and the grinding, you need to take your car in to have the brakes looked at right away.
2. When You Start to Brake, It Feels As Though the Car is Veering Off in One Direction
Another cause for needing to have your brakes looked at is if, whenever you start to brake, you feel as though the car starts going to the side, rather than continuing to go straight until the brakes are fully applied. This can cause traffic problems and might get you into an accident. The cause of this problem is a stuck caliper. It's easily resolved by taking it to have your brakes looked at. Because this problem is not necessarily the result of an issue with the brakes, make sure that you have the people at the auto shop check for unevenly worn tires as well.
3. When You Star to Brake, the Brake Pedal Vibrates
Finally, if you start to brake and notice that the brake pedal is vibrating at a high speed, then this is a sign that the rotors in the brake have become warped and need to either be put back into place or replaced.
If you experience any of these issues, make sure that you have your brakes checked out by a business, such as the Alignment Center.