The brakes on your car should always be in good shape so you can stop in an emergency. The brake pads and other parts wear down gradually through frequent use and age, so they should be inspected, repaired, and replaced as needed. Having a brake inspection before a long road trip is a good idea so you know your brakes are suitable for a lot of driving and won't need work in an unfamiliar city. Other times, there are signs your brakes are in trouble and need immediate attention. Here are signs you need a brake inspection.
1. Your Brakes Make Strange Noises
Depending on the model and year of your car, the brakes may be designed to squeal when the pads need to be replaced. You'll hear this squealing noise when you depress the brake pedal. It isn't necessarily cause for alarm, but it's a sign to take your car to the shop before the pads wear down. When the pads wear out, the sound changes from a squeal to a metal grinding sound. If it sounds like metal is grinding against metal when you hit the brakes, then that is a sign you need immediate work done to keep you safe while driving.
2. Your Brakes Feel Different
When the brake pads wear down they develop a loose feel. You may need to depress the pedal all the way to the floor to engage the brakes. You should have your brakes inspected when they start to feel loose because that could mean the pads are worn out. A different feel to the brakes could also mean there's a brake fluid leak or air in the lines. Brakes that don't engage quickly can be a danger, so if you notice this problem, have a brake inspection to determine the cause and have it repaired. In addition to the brakes themselves feeling different, you may notice a difference in the way your car feels and handles when the brakes are bad. There might be a shudder or vibration when you hit the brakes and your car might pull to one side.
A brake inspection doesn't take too long, and it's worth the inconvenience to stay safe in traffic. After the brakes are inspected, the mechanic will recommend the repairs needed and you can schedule the service. Sometimes, you can avoid the need for more expensive repairs caused by driving with worn out brake pads by having your car serviced at the first indication of worn brakes or brake trouble. Brake problems don't always mean you'll be looking at expensive repairs, but the only way to know is to have an inspection as soon as possible. Contact a shop, like Redford Auto Repair, for more help.
Share10 December 2018
After my car died and I was stranded on the freeway a few years back, I knew that I had to do what I could to avoid similar issues in the future. I began working hard to identify different issues with my car, so that I could prevent problems. I began working with a mechanic to get help, and he taught me a lot about going through my car and being able to evaluate different things that were problems. It was really interesting to explore the possibilities of different car failures, and before I knew it, I could tell when my car was struggling. Read more about the early signs of car trouble on my blog.