2 Behaviors Indicating That Your Car's Brake Discs Are Worn Down
If your car does not seem to stop as quickly or smoothly as it once did, you may suspect that there could be a problem with your brakes. If so, look for the following behaviors that your car's brake discs are worn down and no longer able to do their job.
1. Vibrations Are Felt When You Apply the Brakes
One of the first things you may notice when you have worn brake discs is the vibrations that you feel when you apply the brakes. Because the surfaces of the discs are no longer even, the brake pads will not engage with the discs smoothly.
As the pads rub against the uneven discs, they bounce off the surface. This action creates vibrations in the pads that are then transferred throughout your vehicle.
In the beginning, you may notice your brake pedal pulsating when you depress it. Or, since the vibrations affect the wheels and drive shaft, you may feel the sensation in your steering wheel.
However, as the discs wear down even more, you may start to notice that your entire car shakes whenever you try to come to a stop. If the wear has gotten to the point that the vibrations are felt throughout your whole vehicle, your discs are severely damaged and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
2. Brakes Squeal Whenever They Are Used
Along with rough areas on your brake discs as they start to wear down, they will also have spots where the surface has become smooth. Usually, even ridges are on the surface of the discs to give the pads something on which to grab.
However, once the ridges where down and the discs become smooth, the pad will no longer be able to grip the surface. As they try to create some form of friction with the smooth surface, you will most likely start to hear a squealing noise as you try to bring your car to a stop.
At first, you will hear these sounds intermittently. However, as the surfaces of the discs become smoother, you may hear the noise even when you tap your brakes.
When your car's brake discs start exhibiting the above behaviors, you run the risk of not being able to stop your car when you need it. As soon as possible, take your vehicle to an auto service that offers car brakes repair to have them inspect your brakes and replace them, if necessary.