Your brakes are the single most important safety feature in your car, because you have to be able to stop safely. If your brakes aren’t working properly, then it doesn’t matter what else is going on with your car because it’s not going anywhere. Here’s what you need to know from Autoworks about your car’s brakes and spotting potential issues.
Sounds Coming from the Brakes
Your brakes are going to make noise, but you’re probably familiar with those noises. It’s when you start to hear louder or more unusual noises that you need to pay attention. There’s something called a wear tab that’s designed to squeal a bit when your brake pads start to wear down. But you can hear other noises, too, like clunking sounds or grinding noises. These aren’t normal and need to be checked out.
Vibrations When You Use the Brakes
Something else that you might encounter is vibrations when you use your brakes. The amount of vibration that you feel is likely to be more severe based on a few different factors, including how badly the brakes are damaged, how fast you’re going, and how quickly you’re trying to stop. The vibrations are not something that will just go away, so if you’re feeling them now, you need to get the brakes inspected.
The Brakes Feel Off or Weird
How your brakes feel when you press on the brake pedal is really important. You know what your brakes feel like when they are functioning normally, so if you do feel any difference, don’t ignore it. Some of the differences you might feel could include less resistance in the pedal or the brakes seeming to “catch” after you’ve pressed the brake pedal farther than usual. They could also feel “squishy” or soft, which can be an indication that there’s a problem with the brake fluid.
There’s a Brake Fluid Leak
One of the issues you could have with the brake fluid involves a possible leak. The brakes are a hydraulic system, which means that they have to have brake fluid in order to function. If there’s not enough brake fluid or air gets into the lines, that’s a big problem. Also, if you ever see an oily fluid around the wheels, that is likely to be brake fluid. Any brake fluid leaks need to be looked into more thoroughly.
You really can’t afford to take chances with your car’s brakes. Autoworks in Kittery, ME can help. Set up an appointment today and we’ll be happy to thoroughly inspect your car’s brakes and let you know what’s going on.