5 signs your brakes need repair
Whilst life can sometimes get in the way of getting to the garage, brakes are an element of your car that you simply can’t ignore. As a system that is used constantly, the components can break down or wear out. Brakes are a crucial part of car safety, so it’s wise to know the signs that your brakes need attention - and some are more obvious than others!
A squealing or grinding noise
This is not the time to turn your music up - a squealing or grinding noise indicates that it’s time to head to a repair centre. Noises whilst braking can mean that your brake pads or discs need to be replaced. The pads are fitted with a wear indicator, which makes a noise against the discs when they’re getting low.
Pulling to the left or right
If you notice that, when you brake, your car tracks to the left or right, it could be that your brakes need attention. It might be that your brakes are wearing unevenly, or you’ve got a brake caliper that’s sticking.
Vibration or juddering
Feeling vibrations through the brake pedal is a telltale sign that the brake rotor is warped. This means that the rotating discs that the brake pads make contact with aren’t the shape they should be because they’ve warped over time.
Taking longer to stop
Probably the most obvious sign of brake problems is if it’s taking you longer to stop. If your car’s not responding to you as quickly as it should do when you hit the brakes, it’s time to get your braking system looked at, and quick!
A soft brake pedal
If air gets in your brake lines, you’ll know about it via a spongy brake pedal. Air prevents the brake fluid from moving through the lines easily, at which point the lines will likely need flushing through, and the brake fluid will need to be replaced.
Keeping your brake system in working order is a responsibility you have to yourself, anyone travelling in your vehicle, and all other road users. At the first sign of something worn or broken, get your vehicle looked at by a professional, and get all recommended repairs completed promptly.