Maintenance of every part of your vehicle is important but most people will agree that the brakes are a particularly crucial part of safe driving. You don’t want to mess around with your brakes. Here are six signs that you should take your car in for brake repair.
Your Brake Light is On
This is a simple one. If the brake light is on, you have a pretty good indication that there’s something wrong with your brakes and they need servicing. The brake light is usually pretty obvious on the dashboard, showing up as a red, yellow, or orange light. Though it’s a common joke on sitcoms to completely ignore the check engine or brake lights, that’s not advisable in real life. If the brake light comes on, bring your car in for brake repair. It’s worth it just for the peace of mind.
Vibrating While Braking
Your car shouldn’t shake just because you apply the brakes. If you notice vibrations or shaking every time you hit the brakes, this is a strong sign of a brake problem. The most likely cause is unevenness in the thickness of your rotor. It might only get worse, too. Bring your car in for brake repair if it starts vibrating while braking.
Strange Noises Coming from Your Brakes
You never want to hear strange noises coming from your vehicle but especially not from your brakes. Squealing from the brakes is an intended signal of low brake pads. If you hear something that sounds like squealing or screeching when you brake, take your car in for brake repairs before the problem gets worse. Another noise your brakes might make if they’re having problems is growling or howling. This can happen when the brake pads get worn down to the point that metal grinds on metal, producing the noise. At that point, you may need replacements for your rotors as well as your brake pads so you should take the vehicle for servicing as soon as possible.
Brake Fluid Leaking
In general, your vehicle leaking fluid isn’t a good thing. If the fluid is brake fluid, that could spell trouble while you’re driving the vehicle. In the worst-case scenario, your vehicle might not have the necessary power to get the brake pads to put pressure on the motor. You get the picture. When you bring the vehicle to a service technician, they’ll be able to locate the source of the leak and solve the issue before it gets worse.
Smell of Burning
Burning is a terrible smell to begin with but somehow it’s even worse when you’re sitting in the vehicle the smell is coming from. A burning smell related to your brakes is a sign that something in the system is overheating. Overheating leads to failure so don’t underestimate the urgency of smelling burning while driving. If you smell something burning as you’re driving along, consider pulling over and bring your car in for brake repairs as soon as possible.
Car Pulling to One Side While Braking
If your brakes are working properly, applying the brakes won’t pull the car in either direction. The car pulling to one side when you apply the brakes is a sign of a brake problem that needs addressing. There could be other explanations for this issue but regardless of the cause, it’s something you should have a professional look at.
Common Causes of Brake Problems
Unfortunately, owner neglect is the leading cause of brake problems and brake failure. You don’t want to ignore signs of brake problems and risk the safety of yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. It’s also important to stick to the routine maintenance schedule even when you don’t notice any signs of problems with your brakes or other car components. A little due diligence on the part of the car owner and driver can prevent a lot of problems down the line.
Some other causes of brake problems are: driving in mud, damaged rotor disks, and overloading the car.
Trust Bowers Automotive for Premier Brake Safety
If you suspect your car has problems with the brakes, you should take it to a professional for servicing immediately. There’s no better choice for brake repair or any other car repairs than Bowers Automotive. We have years of experience in the industry and treat every vehicle with the same care we would our own. Reach out today to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to help!