When to Get Your Brakes Checked

Your car’s brakes are one of the most critical components of your vehicle’s safety system, and regular maintenance helps keep them functioning correctly. Knowing when to get your brakes checked is crucial to prevent brake failure and potential accidents. In this post, we’ll discuss some warning signs that indicate it’s time to get your brakes checked.

1. Squeaking or Grinding Noise

One of the most common warning signs that your brakes need attention is a squeaking or grinding noise. You may hear a high-pitched squeal when applying your brakes, especially at low speeds. This noise is caused by worn-out brake pads, and it’s an indication that your brakes need to be checked as soon as possible.

If you ignore the noise, the brake pads can wear down entirely, resulting in metal-to-metal contact between the brake pad and the rotor, which can cause grinding. Grinding means that the brake pads have worn down significantly and need to be replaced immediately.

2. Vibrations or Shaking

If you feel vibration or shaking in the steering wheel or brake pedal while applying the brakes, it could be an indication that your brake rotors are warped. Warped rotors can occur over time due to excessive heat, which causes uneven wear on the rotors’ surface. As a result, when you apply the brakes, the pads don’t make even contact with the rotor, causing the vibration or shaking sensation.

If you notice this problem, get your brakes checked immediately. Driving with warped rotors can be dangerous and can cause uneven wear on your tires, leading to additional performance and safety issues.

3. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

If you notice that your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when applying the brakes, it could be a sign of a brake fluid leak or air in the brake lines. Brake fluid is responsible for moving the brake pads when the brake pedal is pressed, and if there is a leak in the brake system, the fluid can’t move the pads effectively.

If you ignore this problem, you’ll notice a decrease in braking performance, and the brake pedal will eventually go all the way to the floor. If this happens, you should not drive your vehicle or operate any moving parts until the problem is resolved.

4. Warning Light

Most of the modern cars are equipped with an electronic braking system that includes a brake warning light on your vehicle’s dashboard. If the warning light comes on, it indicates that there’s a problem with the brake system, and you should get it checked out as soon as possible.

Depending on your car’s make and model, the warning light may appear as “ABS” (anti-lock brake system) or may include a circle with an exclamation mark inside. It’s essential not to ignore the warning light and get it checked out immediately.

5. Slow Brake Response

If you notice that your brakes are slower to respond than usual, i.e., the car takes longer to come to a complete stop than it normally would, it could be an indication of a problem with the brake system. The slow response could be due to worn-out brake pads, which can reduce the friction between the pad and the rotor, resulting in a slower response time when you apply the brakes.

It’s essential to get your brakes checked if you notice slow brake response time as it can lead to further brake damage and a potential accident.

Conclusion

Your brakes are a vital component of your vehicle, and regular brake maintenance is necessary to ensure they are functioning correctly. Keeping an eye out for the warning signs of a problem with your brakes is crucial to prevent brake failure and keep you safe while driving. If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, get your brakes checked by a certified mechanic to ensure the continued safety and performance of your vehicle.