Staying Ahead Of Brake Repair Problems
Posted on: 22 December 2014
Just because a car owner does not possess the skills or tools needed to fix their brakes, that does not mean they cannot possess the knowledge required to predict when something is going to go wrong. Being aware of common signs that your brakes are going bad is an easy way to save yourself a lot of money on additional auto repair bills.
Sound
Your brakes should never squeal or squeak. They also should never make any type of rubbing noises. These noises are all signs that either your brake shoes or your brake pads are going bad. In general, it is always a good idea for you to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic if you notice it making abnormal sounds.
Operation
For obvious reasons, you should never ignore changes in the operation or functionality of your brakes. The moment you notice your brakes requiring more of an effort to stop is the moment you should pick up the phone and schedule an appointment to have your brakes inspected. When your brakes require more effort on your part in order to stop the car, it is usually because your brake pads need to be replaced.
Vibrations or Pulsations
Your brake pedal and steering wheel should never vibrate or feel as if they are pulsating. This happens with the brake rotors are wearing down. Your brake rotors wear down when you drive a vehicle with brakes that need to be replaced or serviced. If you continue to drive your vehicle after noticing vibrations or pulsing, you will cause the rotors to warp which leads to expensive brake repairs.
Warning Light
The brake warning lights on your dashboard are not for decoration. They are built into your vehicle to alert you when something is wrong with your vehicle. In most scenarios, your vehicle would have already displayed other signs of your brakes going bad before the warning light comes on. For this reason, you should never take a brake warning light lightly.
Smell
If you ever smell a putrid and strong burning smell coming from your tires, you need to stop the vehicle immediately. This is not a smell a vehicle should ever have. It can also lead to a lot of dangerous scenarios for everyone in the vehicle because your brakes are not going to be working for much longer. You need to take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately, so he or she can determine what part of your brake system is malfunctioning.
You should never continue to operate your vehicle if you notice any of these signs. Failing brakes can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions. With this information in mind, you should never find yourself in a situation where you are surprised to learn your brakes need replaced.
Get in touch with a local auto shop, like Gray's Tire and Auto, for more information on signs that your car needs maintenance.
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