Brakes are a critical safety component of every vehicle, so ensuring they are maintained and performing well is an essential part of proper vehicle maintenance. Worn out or damaged brakes can be dangerous, so it’s important to be able to recognise early signs of brake problems. Do you know the warning signs? Read on to find out 5 of them.
Squealing Sounds
If you hear a high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes, this is a sign that your brake pads need to be replaced. Both front disc brakes and rear drum brakes feature a pad wear indicator, this is designed to let you know when the calliper pads or brake shoes need changing. It does this by letting out a squealing sound when you hit the brakes, so don’t ignore the squeal – get it checked by a licenced mechanic quickly.
Grinding Noises
Whether you have disc or drum brakes, grinding noises when you hit the pedal could mean worn brake pads or a build-up of rust around the brake shoes. A grinding noise should be seen to quickly by a professional mechanic, they will be able to diagnose the problem, and get you back on the road safely as soon as possible.
Vibration When Braking
Vibration or a shaking sensation in the steering wheel when you apply the brake pedal happens when the brake rotor is out of alignment with the wheel itself. It may also be a sign that the callipers in the front brakes aren’t detaching themselves properly from the rotor when you lift your foot off the pedal, or it may indicate uneven wear of your rotors. Brake vibration is definitely something you should get checked sooner rather than later. Vibrations are often a sign of serious underlying issues which, if left alone may lead to severe damage and higher repair costs.
A Spongy Brake Pedal
If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you press it, or if it goes all the way to the floor more easily than it should, you may have a brake fluid leak. Leaking brake fluid will result in brakes not working properly, and it must be fixed right away. Brake fluid can leak around the master cylinder, or the brake lines (where they bend), cylinders and callipers, and while brake fluid leaks aren’t overly common, they can definitely still happen. If you suspect a leak get it fixed straight away.
More Brake Pedal Pressure Required
If you notice you have to press your brake pedal farther than normal in order to stop your vehicle, this is one of the major signs of brake pad wear. While this symptom is not as common today as it used to be, if you find yourself need more force than usual in order for the brakes to work, make sure you book your car in for a brake service.
For Reliable Brake Repairs, Joondalup’s Car Care is Your Trusted Choice
As the local experts in brake and clutch repair, Joondalup car owners can rely on us for fast, affordable, and high-quality automotive servicing and repairs. If you are experiencing braking problems or if you want to have your brakes professionally assessed by industry experts, get in touch with us today. Our highly skilled team of automotive professionals will ensure your brakes are in optimal condition so that you can drive with confidence. We can also help with log book servicing, air conditioning repairs, wheel alignments and new car batteries. Joondalup locals can book a service online or call us today on (08) 9300 9796.