There is no doubt that brakes are one of the most important parts of our vehicles. They stop us from moving forward or backward. If they fail, we risk serious injury or death. That said, you don’t want to wait until something goes wrong before having your brakes repaired.
The problem is, most drivers don’t realize they need to schedule their brake inspections. You might not even notice that your brakes aren’t working properly until you hit a bump at high speed. That’s why it’s crucial to check your brakes regularly. There are several signs that indicate you need a brake inspection.
In this blog, we’ll tell you what those signs are and how you can know when you need one. We’ll also give you some tips on how to get the best results from your brake inspection.
What Are Some Signs Your Brakes Aren’t Working Properly?
If you have any of these symptoms, you probably need a brake inspection:
1) Worn Pads
Pads are designed to wear down over time as you drive. But if your pads are worn out beyond a certain point, there could be problems with your brakes. Pads actually have a built-in wear indicator which emits sounds by rubbing against the rotor. That’s why the grinding or squealing noises you hear is one of the first indications that your brakes need to be looked at.
2) Metallic Scraping Noise
Scraping noises are one of the most extreme signs that your braking system needs to be diagnosed and more than likely repaired. This sounds could be indicating that your brake pads are worn to the point where the metal backing plate is coming in contact with the rotor. The industry refers to this as “metal to metal” and it means you need repairs as soon as possible.
3) Poor Steering Response
Poor steering response may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it likely means something is wrong with the braking system. Pads which are excessively worn, rusted, or contaminated with fluid are unable to effectively clamp down on the rotor. Any of these symptoms can cause shaking in the steering when braking. While it is possible to clean brake pads, it is generally best to consider replacement at this point.
4) Slipping While Stopping
When you apply the brake pedal, pads squeeze and tighten around a spinning rotor. This is how your vehicle slows and stops. Over time, this friction can cause both the pads and rotor to wear. As the wear grip on the pads degrades, you can begin to feel a “slipping effect” when applying the brakes. This is another indication that your brakes should be inspected as soon as possible.
5) Brake Pedal Doesn’t Respond To Pressure
Brake pedals that don’t respond to pressure typically mean that your master cylinder isn’t functioning properly. More than likely your master cylinder isn’t able to generate the full amount of pressure required for maximum braking power. This can be caused by a blown seal within the master cylinder, a leak in the brake line, or air within your brake line system. If you’re experiencing this, try rapidly pumping the brake pedal with your feet.
6) Longer Braking Distance or Time
As we discussed earlier, there is a lot of friction within the braking system. If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to stop or slow, this could be one of your first indications of worn components. Don’t be too alarmed, this could be a short-term problem. An example of a short-term problem is driving along a winding road or descending down a mountain. This excessive use will heat the pads and rotors making them less responsive. Once they cool down, they should return to their original performance. In the meantime, you can try downshifting to a lower gear and letting the transmission slow the vehicle. However, you should be aware that this isn’t always a short-term issue. Eventually this friction will cause permanent wearing and that is when your pads and/or rotors will need to be replaced.
7) Something Smells Off
This could be something minor or it could be a real emergency. If you just had braking components replaced, this most likely means that your pads are “curing” and are getting stronger. However, if there is a reduction in braking power or if this smell lasts longer than a few days, you should get your vehicle looked at. If you haven’t recently replaced braking parts, this smell could indicate that you’re burning the friction lining. In some cases, like fleet vehicles or heavy duty trucks, the friction material can actually catch fire.
8) Vehicle Pulls to the Left or Right
Your brake pads won’t always wear evenly on each side. Sometimes one side will wear faster or get thinner than the other side. This can cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right when stopping. Not addressing this issue can cause excess stress on your steering rack, ball joints, and wheel bearings. This is one of the reasons that even when only one side of your car needs brake pads, your mechanic may recommend replacing both sides. They know that it is important for your braking system to try to wear evenly on each side. Note, that pulling to the right or left may not always be due to the braking system.
How To Avoid Brake-related Issues?
There are several ways to avoid having any brake-related issues with your vehicle such as checking your tire pressure regularly, using brake pads that are meant for your vehicle, and replacing the brake hose when it starts leaking. But the most important thing you should never forget is to have your brake serviced by a professional.
What Is A Brake Service?
A brake service is a routine maintenance procedure for your brakes. It includes inspecting the condition of your brakes, replacing worn-out pads and rotors, cleaning the brake fluid reservoir, checking the alignment of your wheels, and lubricating the wheel bearings.
Why Should I Have My Brakes Serviced?
Brakes work hard every day. They help keep your vehicle safe from harm. When your brakes are in good shape, they perform well and last long. However, if your brakes are damaged, they could fail at any time. Having your brakes inspected and repaired before this happens helps ensure safety.
When Should I Get My Brakes Serviced And How Often?
You should schedule an inspection for your brakes once per year. This includes inspecting your brake hoses, brake pads, and rotors. You also want to inspect your brake fluid level.
The Key Takeaway
In conclusion, a brake inspection is a crucial and very important part of maintaining your car. So, it is better to do regular brake inspections so that you can prevent problems from occurring. A brake service is one of those things that you should do regularly. It ensures that your brakes are working safely and efficiently. While owning your own vehicle whether for personal or business purposes is convenient, it is always best to have it maintained by a professional so any issues will be avoided such as brake failure.
Need A Professional Brake Service?
Andy’s Automotive and Truck Services provides high-quality auto repair services at affordable prices. We offer our service to vehicle owners in Jacksonville, FL, and its surrounding areas. We understand how important it is to have a vehicle inspected and maintained to ensure safety while driving. Contact us today to have your vehicle inspected!