Having functioning, well-maintained brakes is essential for any vehicle. No matter what you’re driving, safety is paramount, and one of the significant factors in that is being able to rely on your brakes to consistently function. Faulty brakes can lead to a multitude of emergencies and issues, so knowing when to service or replace them is vital for both you and those around you.
At S.S.C Mechanics, we provide vehicle owners with comprehensive mechanic services. Whether you need a simple checkup or full-service repairs, our team is here to support you and your vehicle in any way we can. So, to help you avoid any dangerous surprises while driving, let’s take a look at some tips and warning signs that you need to service or replace your brakes.
One of the most obvious things that suggests your brakes need to be serviced or replaced is that they simply aren’t working effectively. Do you find your car has trouble braking or that your brakes feel sluggish or unresponsive while driving? This likely suggests issues with your brake hose or brake fluids.
If you haven’t noticed a change in the feeling of your brakes, but they still seem to be taking time to stop, this suggests wear and tear, which can happen after several years of use. It may seem like a small change, but over time, issues like these are likely to get worse when they aren’t properly addressed. Either way, the moment that you notice any of these issues, it’s important that you go to your mechanic.
If your vehicle has a tendency to pull or swerve slightly to either side when braking, this is a sign that your brake pads are likely getting worn down unevenly and will need to be maintained. It can also mean that there has been a buildup of sediment or debris within your brake fluid. This requires that your brake fluid is either flushed or replaced altogether, depending on the severity of the issue.
Whether you’ve been riding a bike or driving a truck, you’ve likely experienced the inevitable squeak of brakes. This is one of those things that often gets neglected when it comes to people deciding to get their vehicles checked, but it’s a sign that your brakes need to be replaced in the near future.
As mentioned before, your brakes have pads that can get damaged and worn down over time through use. Once these have been worn down enough, the metal beneath can begin hitting your brake rotor directly, thus the terrible squeaking noise of metal against metal. This can lead to further damage and unreliable braking when left unchecked, so if you’re experiencing this, get your brakes replaced immediately.
Speaking of your brake rotors, they are the parts of your vehicle that press your brake pads to your wheels, allowing for braking to occur. However, over time, these rotors can warp. When this occurs, your rotors can press the brake pads to your wheel unevenly, leading to heavy and disconcerting vibrations each time they’re put to use. This needs to be looked at and fixed before it begins to impact other core components of your vehicle, which can be dangerous and lead to more expensive repairs down the line if left unfixed.
With how important the condition of your brakes is to your driving safety, many modern vehicles now come equipped with indicators to tell you when there are issues with your brake pads. Keep in mind that this isn’t a foolproof system, as the issues above can still exist without your warning lights coming on. With that said, if your indicator light does turn on, it’s time to see a mechanic to get it checked out.
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