Key to safe driving is your car’s braking system. Brake failure rarely occurs abruptly. The braking system often gives warning signs when any component is faulty. And while some of these signs are easy to spot, others may not be easily detected. In any case, the rule of thumb is to take your car for a professional inspection and repair service if you suspect any problems. The following are common signs of braking problems that should not be ignored.
1. Dashboard warning light is on
If the braking system is compromised, there’s a good chance your dashboard warning light will come on. There are two such lights to keep an eye on: the orange ABS light and the red handbrake light. Your warning light may turn on if the handbrake is on, or the tires are skidding. However, if these possibilities are ruled out and you still have one or both lights on, hiring a professional for brake system inspection and repair service is what you want.
2. Fluid leaks
This is most likely a result of a fault in the braking system. When your car leaks fluid, the hydraulic system is also affected. This makes it difficult for your brake pads to clamp on the rotors effectively, and thus the “soft” or “mushy” effect you feel on applying the brakes. Whether the problem is from the master cylinder or fuel lines, a professional mobile mechanic will zero in on the cause of the leak and provide the right repair service.
3. Thin Brake Pads
Routine inspection service helps you to spot problems early on before they render your car unroadworthy. Keeping track of brake wear allows you to know when replacement is due. Since they will ultimately wear out over the cause of normal use, brake pads should be replaced once they appear 1/4″ of the original. The Straw man method is one way to get started monitoring brake wear. If you’re unsure how to get started, have a professional inspect your brake pads when carrying out scheduled maintenance.
4. Rotor with deep grooves
As with many other parts in your car, brake rotors will wear in the long run. Following extensive wear, rotors tend to have deep grooves in them, and if they are so worn the grooves are obvious, it’s time to schedule a replacement service.
5. Dust
As the brake pad wears off, it sheds dust or metallic particles that impinge on your wheels. This should be expected and actually signifies that your brakes are in good condition. If your wheels look cleaner than usual and no longer accumulate brake dust, there’s a good chance the pads are completely worn and should be replaced.
6. Growling or grinding sounds
Your car is made up of many moving parts. When you apply the brakes, the brake pads act on the rotors, forcing your car to a stop. As your brake pad ages, its surface protection wears off, causing more metal to metal contact with the rotors that results in a grinding or growling noise when you apply the brakes. If you notice these sounds, contact your mobile mechanic immediately for a full inspection and repair service.
7. Squealing Sound when braking
Your car might also produce a squealing sound when braking. This sound indicates extensive brake pad wear and is another indicator that you need to replace your pads. Ignoring brake pad wear signs could lead to rotor damage, and thus result in high repair costs.
8. Rattling or clicking sound
Depending on the car, brake pads are tightly installed using clips, pins, bolts, or fitted into a compact holding device. The goal is to ensure they hold firm and operate noiseless. However, if there is a faulty component around it or the pads loosen out for some reason, you might hear a clicking or rattling sound when you press or release the brake pedal. Your mobile mechanic will confirm if this is the problem and fix the pads tight.
9. Soft or mushy brake pedal
A soft or mushy brake pedal feel is most likely indicative of a compromised braking system. Whether it’s due to air in the system or loss of fluid in the reservoir, this problem should be addressed as soon as detected.
10. Vibration
Do you press the pedal and it returns a vibration? Then chances are the pads are bad. With increased wear, the resin adhesive binding the brake pads becomes hot and forms a layer over the surface of the disc. Poor car alignment and warped rotors may also cause your pedal to vibrate when you apply the brakes in an effect similar to the brake pedal reaction when an ABS-equipped car experiences an emergency stop.
11. Steering Wheel is Vibrating
Your steering wheel might vibrate when there’s a problem. This could be a faulty braking system, bent rims or poorly aligned tires. However, if this vibration occurs when you apply the brake pedal, the problem is more likely to come from the braking system. A quick inspection service by a professional mobile mechanic will help you verify if this is the problem.
12. Car moves awkwardly after braking
It is possible that you feel your car pulling to one side when you apply the brakes. This usually occurs when there’s uneven action on the brakes, and may be due to little or no pad – rotor contact, or the brake pad staying clamped on the rotor surface. Your mobile mechanic will inspect your car and let you know the problem and associated repair cost.
13. Poor braking performance
Where your brake pedal goes extremely low to the floor, you might have brake fluid leaks or air in the brake hose assembly. If you find your car releases fluid when parked, it’s most likely to be the former. In any case, hire an expert mobile mechanic to inspect your entire braking system when you notice a drop in braking performance.
14. Car gives off burning smell
You probably have perceived your car giving off a sharp, burning smell at some point when braking. This is likely due to overheating, whether of the brakes or clutches. To confirm, pull to a safe area and inspect that the parking brake is in good condition. It’s also important to release the brakes and ensure they are cool. This prevents boiling the brake fluid and causing further brake damage. If your wheels are releasing smoke, the caliper brakes might be jammed. Whatever the cause, a prompt inspection and repair service is the best way to go.
To wrap up
The more frequent you apply your brakes, the faster the system’s components wear. If your brakes are not functioning as they should and you ignore signs, you risk running into serious problems in traffic or when traveling at full speed. To avoid this danger, keep track of your braking performance and take prompt safety measures when you notice one or more of the aforementioned warning signs.
Thankfully, brake pad problems are least likely to hurt your budget, so replacing them when the need arises only makes sense. You want a safe and hassle-free driving experience, which makes it important to monitor and fix problems on time. If you’re experiencing any problems with your braking performance, contact Uchanics today for the most professional and cost-effective braking system service.
