We all know the importance of brakes. Without them, our cars would be nothing more than hefty pieces of metal careening down the road at high speeds, completely out of control.
That being said, brakes are one of those car parts we often take for granted – until they stop working correctly. So if your brakes are starting to show signs of wear and tear, it's essential to get them checked out by a professional brake shop in Elizabeth City, NC, as soon as possible.
Not sure if your brakes need attention? Here we'll explore major signs that indicate it's time for a brake check.
Signs You Need a Brake Check
1. Car is Pulling to One Side When You Brake
Have you ever felt your vehicle pulling to one side or the other when you brake? If so, this is a sign that something is wrong with your brakes, which must be checked.
It's possible that a jammed caliper is to blame. Because one wheel would experience friction but not the others, your car could pull sideways where the caliper is stuck.
In addition to the previous scenario, a collapsed brake hose that causes your calipers to move unevenly when applying the uneven brake pads that use varying amounts of pressure on various wheels are two additional examples of why your vehicle might pull.
However, pulling does not always indicate a brake issue. The source might also be worn or flat tires that aren't adequately inflated or adjusted, as well as an uneven suspension problem. If unsure, it's always best to take your vehicle to a professional brake repair near me for a thorough inspection.
2. Unusual Noises Coming from Your Brakes
If you start hearing strange noises whenever you brake – especially a high-pitched squealing or grinding sound – this is a sign that your brake pads may be worn down and need to be replaced.
The pad's backing plate has a metal tab designed to create this noise when the pad wears down to a certain level, indicating that it needs to be replaced. However, once the pads are completely worn out, you'll start hearing a grinding noise as the metal of the rotor and caliper rub against each other.
If you delay replacing your brake pads, you'll damage your rotors, which will be much more expensive to repair.
3. Vibration in the Brake Pedal or Steering Wheel
Another sign that your brakes need attention is if you feel vibrations in either the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking.
There are potential causes of this problem, such as warped rotors. When the rotors become bent or out of shape, they can cause vibrations that you'll feel in the pedal or steering wheel. This can also be caused by brake pads worn down or unevenly installed.
Another potential cause of vibrations is imbalanced wheels. If your wheels are out of balance, they can cause your vehicle to vibrate when you're driving at high speeds. However, you'll usually feel this vibration in the seat, floorboard, or steering wheel rather than the brake pedal.
4. Worn Pads
Brake pads worn out are more likely to fail, making them hazardous. They're also less efficient in stopping your vehicle. To determine whether your brake pads are worn, you must first understand how they function. A disc is squeezed between a set of padded clamps (or brake pads) whenever you apply your brakes. The brake pads have become thin and have friction, which causes the car to come to a stop. In addition, the brake pads wear down over time, so they must be replaced.
If you have never had your brake pads replaced, it's a good idea to get them checked by a professional brake repair shop. Even if they appear in proper condition, they could be worn down and need to be replaced.
5. Temperamental Pedal
Aside from thrumming, your brake pedal may indicate that the braking system in your automobile needs to be checked.
If the pedal is mushy before the brakes are applied, it could be due to worn pads or an issue with the hydraulic system, such as air in the line or a brake fluid leak. Put an old white sheet or a piece of light cardboard under the vehicle overnight to look for a fluid leak. Examine any liquid that accumulates in the morning. The color of the brake fluid will be similar to that of cooking oil, and it will be nearly transparent.
The brakes will instantly grab if the opposite of a mushy pedal is applied. This might indicate a misaligned rotor, unclean brake fluid, or moisture in the fluid.
A third possibility is that the pedal is hard to press. If this is the case, a brake system check is essential because it could indicate a leak in the hydraulic system, low brake fluid levels, or air in the line. It could also be due to frozen brake lines, although this problem is more common in cold weather.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of the issues listed above, it's essential to have your brakes checked by a professional brake shop as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with brakes that need attention can be dangerous and cost you more money in the long run. So take care of your brakes, and don't wait until it's too late!