Signs You Need New Brakes

People don’t think about them often, but brakes are extremely important for a car. They must be in top working order in order to stop the car efficiently and keep you safe. But how do you know if you need new brakes? What if you do need new brakes? If you know that your brakes are starting to wear out, it is important to contact your dealership’s service center, like Speedway Auto Group. They have the know-how to check and replace the brakes.

There are a few ways to tell if you need new brakes that do not require you to take the tires off the car.

Look

If the car has disk brake, you should be able to look to see if the brake pads are worn down. Brake pads should be at least 1/4 inch thick. Look between the spoke of the wheel. If the brake pads appear to be less than 1/4 inch, call the dealership to have the brake pads replaced.

Listen

If you hear a high-pitched screeching sound when you apply the brakes, it could mean that it is time for new brakes. There is a small metal shim, called the indicator, that gives a loud audible warning when the brakes are starting to wear down. If you start to hear this sound often when pressing the brakes, it is time to call the dealership service center.

Pedal Sinks

If the brakes are not as responsive as they were or if the pedal sinks towards the floor, it could be a sign that it is time for new brakes. It could be a sign that there is an air leak in the brake hose or a brake fluid leak. Whether the car needs new brakes or there is a brake line leak, it is something that should be checked out right away.

Pulling

If the vehicle is pulling to one side when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that something could be in the brake fluid. Check with the dealership service center to see about a fluid drain and replaced or for a brake adjustment.

Grinding

If there is a loud grinding sound, it means that the brake pads are worn down completely. The grinding is caused when the disc and the caliper are rubbing together. This can cause scratches or scores on the rotors and make an uneven surface. The service center might decide to turn the rotor surface or tell you that the rotors need to be replaced.

Vibration

Warped rotors can cause a vibration or pulsing on the brake pad when you apply the brakes. The vibration feels much like the feeling when the brake pedal is used during a panic stop in a car that has anti-lock brakes. This vibration happens even when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged. The brake pads are not able to grab the surface evenly.

If any of these signs are starting to show on your car, it is time to get the brakes checked.