5 signs you need your brakes checked
There are tell-tale signs that your brakes need servicing, such as the brake light appearing on your car’s dashboard or the feeling that your vehicle is taking longer to stop than it should. In these cases, you should visit your mechanic to get your brakes checked immediately. But do you know the other signs that could indicate an ailing brake system?
Signs you need your brakes checked – worn pads
Brake pads wear thin over time which means they’ll become less effective at slowing and stopping your car. To check your brake pads, look between the spokes of your wheel to spot the shiny metal rotor inside. When you find it, look around the outer edge where you’ll see the metal caliper. Between the rotor and the caliper, you’ll see the pad. If your pads are thinner than 6mm, it’s time to get them changed.
Signs you need your brakes checked – squealing or grinding
Brake pads come equipped with a wear sensor that squeals when your pads need replacing. You’ll also want to listen for a harsh grinding sound. This means that you’ve gone completely through your brake pads and the metal of the calipers is grinding against the metal of the rotors.
Signs you need your brakes checked – pulling
When a car pulls to one side or the other while braking, it’s often misdiagnosed as an alignment issue, but it could indicate a serious problem with the vehicle’s braking system. Either way, you should get your brakes checked by an experienced mechanic as soon as possible.
Signs you need your brakes checked – vibration
When it comes to your brakes, there’s no such thing as good vibrations. Brake vibration, also referred to as a shaking or pulsation, is often the result of parts of the disc brake’s rotor being thinner than others instead of uniform all around. As the brakes are applied, the brake pads will be pressed by the calipers against high and low spots that the driver feels through the pedal or steering wheel. Rust and dirt also can build up on a rotor and cause minor vibrations in the vehicle. In serious cases of warped rotors, the whole vehicle can shake or the steering can pull when the driver hits the brakes. In some cases, warped rotors can be resurfaced (machined) on a brake lathe to create a smooth, even rotor finish, to stop the shaking – provided there is enough thickness left in the rotor.
Signs you need your brakes checked – pedal problems
Air in the brake line(s) is the most common cause of a spongy brake pedal. Air can make its way to your brake lines when repairs are done, when fluid is added, or as your car operates. If your brake pedal goes down to the floor, you could be running low on brake fluid or have a leak in one of your lines. It could also mean your brake booster is failing or bad. It might also be your master cylinder, the main valve that pumps brake fluid into your brake lines.
For more information, chat to our experienced brake specialists at Prorepair Auto Care Centre, Arden Street, North Melbourne on 03 9326 5795.