5 Signs That You Need Your Brakes Checked
Imagine if you had to stop your car with your feet like Fred Flintstone. Makes you appreciate the brakes in your car, doesn’t it? The truth is that most don’t appreciate the standard things in our cars until something goes wrong with them.
Being able to stop is one of the most important functions of a vehicle, and this is only more important when the weather changes during the winter, or if you need to stop suddenly. (Read Safely Stopping on Icy Roads). Can you imagine how scary it would be if your brakes suddenly stopped working?
This begs the question: When is the last time you had you brakes checked? Not sure? Perhaps it’s time to get them checked out by a mechanic.
Ask yourself:
- Do you get your brakes checked regularly?
- If you have an older vehicle, when was the last time you had your brakes repaired/serviced/replaced?
- Do you know the signs that you need to get your brakes checked?
The following takes a look at the signs that it might be time to get your brakes inspected:
The Obvious
- The brake light comes on– this is a telltale sign that it’s time to take your car into the shop.
- You notice the brake feeling “loose,” and your brake pedal sinks to the floor – if you can easily put your brake pedal to the floor without much resistance, this could signal a number of potential issues.
- It takes longer for your vehicle to stop– if you notice it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop, this could indicate your pads need to be replaced.
If you notice these signs, then it’s time to drive straight to your mechanic. You will need to have your brakes checked out immediately. Driving with loose brakes or with the brake light on is potentially dangerous.
Other signs
- A high-pitched squeaking sound when you press the brakes – anytime you notice a strange sound coming from your tires or brakes, you need to have them looked at by your mechanic.
- Your car vibrates when you press the brake – this generally indicates a warped rotor. Vibrations should not happen during normal breaking circumstances.
Every car is different, and this is why it’s important to get a feel for your car and its braking system. If you are the primary driver, you will know best when something doesn’t feel right when braking. It is recommended that you get you brakes checked about every 20, 000 kilometers. Take your car in for inspection sooner if you notice any of the above signs.
Have any scary braking stories? Tell us about them!