Sometimes taking your vehicle to the repair shop to receive an inspection can be costly. As a driver, you need to know what signs to look for which tells you when it’s time to perform a brake repair. Today you’re going to learn what those signs are.
Listen For Noises
One of the most common ways of knowing it’s time to change your brakes is listening for noise in your braking system. You will hear a high pitched squealing sound when pressing on the brakes while driving. This sound occurs because the brake pad is worn. It is possible that the brake pad is worn so bad to the point it is worn down to the metal.
The sound of the metal backing grinding against the rotor produces the sound you hear. If the metal wear indicator brakes off it will be difficult for you to detect how worn your brakes are since the noises will stop. This can be very dangerous because you could be driving around with brakes worn down to the metal and not know it. An easy fix to stop brake squealing is to purchase high end brake pads.
Brake Pedal Hits The Floor
If you step on the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor that means there is a leak in the braking system somewhere. The proper function of the brake pedal is to send a signal to the brake master cylinder which sends pressured fluids to all the wheels. In this case, you need to check for brake fluid leaks under the vehicle and check the back of the brake master cylinder after you remove it. Sometimes the cylinder will leak internally. To solve this matter, replace the brake master cylinder. The brake booster can also cause a brake pedal to sink to the floor.
Less Braking Power
Before you switch out your old brake pads for new pads you will notice that your vehicle has less braking power. You will feel a delay in the braking system. When you replace your brake pads with brand new pads, however, you will notice that your brakes work extremely well. You won’t even have to press on the brake pedal as much to feel the power of your brakes at work.
Car Pulling To One Side
It’s a common misunderstanding for someone to assume that brakes wear evenly. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Brakes wear unevenly and because of this, your vehicle may have a tendency to pull to one side more than the other when you press on your brakes during a driving session. It is not known whether or not the left or right side will wear more than the other.
When To Inspect Brakes
You want to pay attention to the warning signs any time you began your driving session. When tire rotations are performed that is a great time to inspect your brake pads. Excessive brake dust on the wheel is another sign your brake pads are wearing. Your brake pads should be worn no lower than 1/4. Anything lower than that means you need a brake pad replacement.
Check Schedule
You should refer to your vehicle’s manual to know how often you should check your brakes. Typically you want to check your brakes every 12 months or every 12,000 miles. Safe driving is not only buckling your seatbelt. It’s also making sure your vehicle is safe for driving.