Brakes are one of the most important parts of a car. When your car comes to a halt, it can mean the difference between life and death for you or someone else who might be with you. But like any parts of your car, brakes do get affected by wear and tear which is why it is important to recognize the signs that it’s time to visit your trusted mechanic for a brake repair near you.
There are many different types of brakes, each designed for different conditions and driving styles. Brake maintenance is essential for keeping your car running safely and smoothly as properly maintained brakes that have been serviced regularly will provide plenty of stopping power to help keep you safe on the road. However, as brakes are bound to get worn out at some point, we’ll take a look at some telltale signs your car’s brakes need repair.
The brake light is on
The easiest way to tell that there’s trouble with your brakes is when the brake light is on. If you see your brake light on, it may be time to get your brakes checked out. You might have a leak somewhere in the system or a bad caliper, disc, or pad.
There are lots of different reasons why your brakes could be acting up, but it’s always good to check them out before problems get worse and cost you more in repairs. Even if there’s no visible sign of trouble, it’s a good idea to check them just in case something is going on under the hood.
You don’t want to find out after you crashed that your brakes were failing all along. Also, if you’re buying a used car, make sure the brakes are working properly before driving off the lot.
Grinding noises while driving
If you hear grinding noises while driving, get your brakes repaired immediately. When your brakes start to make loud noises while you drive, it can be a sign that something is wrong with them.
If you don't get them fixed right away, you could end up causing more harm to yourself and others. When you hear grinding noises while driving, here are some things that could be causing the problem:
- Your brake pads have worn out, so they aren't gripping the road as well as they should be.
- You have excessive rust or corrosion on your brake lines.
Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to look for the best place to get a brake repair near you before the problem exacerbates.
Fluid leaks
There are several reasons for brake fluid leaks. They can be caused by worn brake pads, faulty calipers and caliper seals, warped rotors, and loose hoses.
Brake fluid leaks can also be the result of a collision. If your car was damaged in an accident, the pressure from the airbags could push out some of your brake fluid.
Sometimes, leaks are caused by air bubbles in the system. These bubbles can be caused by debris that entered the front lines or because of poor maintenance practices at your local gas station.
If you have a car that is leaking fluids, it is important to get your brakes checked and fixed right away. Although it might be tempting to try to save money by ignoring leaks, doing so can lead to bigger problems down the road.
The steering wheel vibrates when driving
When driving you should feel a firmness on the steering wheel, and if the wheel vibrates it could mean that your brakes are failing. This can compromise your safety and can result in an accident. If you notice this happening while on the road, it is best to pull over so that you can check your brakes and service them if necessary.
Weaker brake pedal resistance
When brake pads wear down, they can cause an increase in brake drag and make it harder for your discs to stop the car. This results in increased stopping distances, increased noise, and decreased performance.
If you push on your brake pads and you’re getting a spongy feel or there is weaker resistance compared to what you’re used to, this is an indication of brake trouble. Should this happen, you should have them checked out by a professional, as they can easily repair or replace worn-out brake pads.
For quality automotive maintenance and brake repair near you, look no further than Craig’s Car Care. We’re a full-service auto care and repair shop known for our quality service and competitive prices. From oil changes to brake repairs, we’re always happy to help. Call us today!