signs your brakes need to be serviced – 5 tips

When you’re driving down the highway on a sunny day with your windows down and your radio turned up, it’s easy to forget that you’re in a big piece of metal and windshield. at a speed of more than 60 kilometers per hour (97 – plus kilometers per hour). At this speed, if you come to a sudden stop, your car can take about the length of a football field (100 meters or 91 meters) to stop – and that’s only if you kept one of the most important defenses. This article is about signs your brakes need to be serviced or checked. Brakes may not be the sexiest part of a car, but they are one of the most important.

signs your brakes need to be serviced

Paying attention to warning signs that indicate the need for care can mean the difference between life and death on the road.

Of course, there are obvious signs that your brakes need service, such as brake lights appearing on your car’s dashboard or the feeling that your car is taking longer to stop than it should.

In any of these cases, you should visit your local mechanic for a brake inspection as soon as possible. But do you know what other signs can indicate a failing brake system?

1: worn out pad

First, a few words about how your brakes work.

Most cars use what are called disc brakes. These work the same as the brakes on at least 10 machines. A hydraulic system filled with brake fluid moves a set of padded pads called calipers, causing them to press together on a disc called a rotor.

The friction that occurs between the pads and the rotor eventually stops the car.

Over time, as you can imagine, the pads will begin to wear down, which means they will be less effective in slowing and stopping your car. Fortunately, checking your brake calipers – the ones that compress the calipers – is a simple process.

All you have to do is look between the spokes of your wheel to see the shiny metal rotor inside. When you find it, look around to the outside where you’ll find a Metal Explosive. Between the caliper and the rotor you will find a pad.

You have to plan, but in general your pad should be at least 4 inches wide. If they are thinner than that, it is best to change them. If your car’s wheels are not made so that you can see through the spokes, you will have to remove the tire to see the rotor and pads.

Either way, while you’re watching, it’s also a good idea to examine the rotor itself. It should be very soft. If you see deep gouges or depressions, it may be time to replace them.

2: weird Sounds

Brake pads have a wear indicator that beeps when your pads need to be replaced. Your mother always tells you that loud music in the car is not good for your ears.

Well, that’s not good for your brakes either. In fact, one of the signs that your brakes need service can come from a small indicator in your brake system that makes a high-pitched noise when your pads need replacing.

And, while the sound is loud enough to be heard even with the windows up, it can be difficult to hear Lady Gaga screaming through the stereo. In addition to sensor sounds, you’ll also want to listen for strong sounds.

This means that you have completely gone through your brakes and now when you put the brake iron on the calipers rub the iron on your rotors.

Not only is this an ineffective way to stop your car, but there’s a good chance you’ll damage your rotors, turning an easy and cheap maintenance job into a nightmare of rotor repair and it’s a replacement.

3: pulling

Has your car ever had a mind of its own? As if he wants to turn right or left while driving or braking?

If so, it may indicate a problem with the brake system. The cause of this pull may be a stuck caliper. Because such an example will cause one wheel to clean and not the others, your car may drag in the area where the caliper is stuck.

Two other brake-related examples that can cause a car to drag would be a worn brake line that causes your calipers to move in the wrong direction when you apply the brakes, or the brakes are inconsistent, which will put different pressures on different wheels.

However, traction does not always indicate a problem with the brakes. It can also be caused by underinflated or worn tires, poor alignment, or problems with your car’s suspension.

So, if your car starts pulling, you’ll want to have it towed to the nearest mechanic shop for a full checkup.

4: shaking/vibrations

If you’ve ever pulled off a panic stop in a car with anti-lock brakes, you know the kind of high-speed brake noise that comes from a quick tap on the system that affects the rotor to slow the car down.

However, if your brakes are squealing like this in normal braking conditions, you may have a problem. Generally, a vibrating brake pedal indicates bent rotors.

Where they are not aligned will affect the brake and you will get feedback from the brake pedal. Rotors generally only damage when there is too much pressure for too long.

Mild heat from driving at high altitudes or breaks when towing heavy objects, for example, can cause the metal of the rotors to change shape. If you haven’t applied your brakes recently, but you’re still experiencing vibrations from the pedals, you may have faulty wheels. Either way, it’s best to see an employee for a review.

5: unpredictable pedal

Rotating rotors can smooth out any poorly worn areas causing your brakes to engage instantly.

In addition to squealing, your brake pedal can give you other clues that your car’s brake system may need attention.

A soft pedal, which almost goes to the floor before applying the brake, can indicate a worn barrier or a problem with the hydraulic system, such as air in the line, air pressure, and it’s brake fluid.

To check for leaks, place an old piece of white paper or a lightweight piece of paper under the car overnight. In the morning, check any water that collects.

Brake fluid will appear clear and the consistency of cooking oil.

The difference with the soft pedal is that it makes the brake hold immediately with a small hand. This could indicate a poorly worn rotor, dirty brake fluid, or contamination from water.

You can solve such a problem with a cheap water change that you can do yourself or have a professional do it for you.

Finally, if you stop the car like Fred Flintstone puts his foot on the floor of the car to stop it, you may have a break in the brake line or a problem with the vacuum system. Both of these conditions will make the brake pedal hard to use and will require immediate service.