Do You Need New Brakes?

Buckle up, because you’re in for a wild ride. It might not surprise some, but there’s an alarming number of accidents in the United States each day. Car accidents are the third leading cause of death in the country.

Having a functional car is your first defense against becoming another statistic. Routine maintenance is necessary to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition for safety. One component you shouldn’t overlook is your brakes.

Hit the brakes and read on for the six signs that you need a brake repair.

1. There’s a Light On

The biggest, and most obvious, sign is that there’s a dashboard light on. Anytime a light comes on, there’s an indication of a faulty component in your car and it needs investigation.

Have a technician run some diagnostics on your car. Even though there’s an indicator for your brakes, it may be an unrelated problem or nothing at all. Though it’s the most obvious, it can be deceptive — look for physical signs.

2. The Pedal Has Some Give

One of the first signs that people notice when they need brake repair is that the pedal feels “off.” Like it has a squishy feeling when pressing down.

This is a serious problem, and the brakes need repair immediately. There’s likely moisture or air trapped in the braking system.

3. Strange Noises

If you’re starting to notice that your brakes make a high-pitched squeak when you apply pressure, it’s a sign that they need repair. Same with a grinding or rattling noise.

Your pads usually emit a squeak when they’re getting low. This is by design; it’s an alarm telling you that they need replacing.

A grinding sound usually means something is caught between the rotors or there’s metal-on-metal contact. Neither are good.

4. Vibration or Shuttering

If you’ve begun to notice a shuttering or vibrating, either on the steering wheel or in general, then your rotors need replacing.

Shuttering feels like you’re rocking back and forth.

5. What’s That Smell?

You should not be smelling anything from a car’s mechanical parts. If you’re smelling a burn, it’s very dangerous to continue driving. This can cause the fluid to boil and fully dismantle your brakes.

This is usually an indication that you need to get to a brake repair service.

6. When You Veer, a Brake Repair Is Near

While you’re driving, if there’s a veer or pull in one direction, it usually means that a caliper is stronger than the other. It’s applying too much pressure to one brake, and it’s causing it to yank in that direction.

This is typically an easy fix.

Hit the Brakes!

Driving is among the most dangerous activities a person can do. But driving with safe and working equipment can reduce that risk. There are some signs that you might need a brake repair.

If there’s a dashboard light on or if the pedal is squishy, you need a repair. Similarly, the brakes are bad if they’re making noises, causing shuttering, omitting a smell, or cause a pull in steering.

If you’re interested in more car repairs, or if you’re seeking help with maintenance, reach out to us.