Brake service is an important aspect of overall car maintenance. As a critical safety feature, your brakes are a vehicle component that deserves your attention and care. If there are signs of wear or your brakes are malfunctioning, arrange a mechanic’s visit as soon as possible to have your brakes inspected and serviced.
Here are five signs your car needs brake service. If you identify one or more of these in your vehicle, it’s time to call your mechanic.
Get Brake Service for Unusual Noises
Squealing or Squeaking Noises
Any squealing or squeaking can be a sign the pads are worn down and you need brake service to replace them. Ignoring this noise will lead to additional damage, such as wearing down the rotors.
Grinding Sounds From Your Breaks
The sound of grinding is metal rubbing on metal from having completely worn down your brake pads. If you don’t have your brakes serviced immediately, it will be a more expensive brake repair when you do.
Clicking or Clunking
Clicking or clunking from your brakes likely indicates a problem with the callipers or brake hardware. To prevent this from progressing to a more serious repair, have your vehicle inspected by a professional.
Vibrations In The Vehicle When Braking
If you feel vibrations when you brake, this is likely from warped rotors. Your rotors usually become warped from excessive heat build-up, which can occur if you have been doing a lot of heavy braking. In this case, the break service you will need will involve resurfacing or replacing the brake pad.
Another cause for a vehicle vibrating or pulsating is stuck callipers, which house the brake pads. If a calliper is applying uneven pressure to the rotor, the pad wears down unevenly, and you get a pulsating sensation when you attempt to brake. Either of these should be fixed without delay to avoid further damage to your braking system.
Seek Brake Repair Services if it Takes Longer to Stop
Longer stopping distances are a sign of worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels, or fading brakes. Seek professional brake repair services to fix the issue and keep you and others on the road safe.
- Worn brake pads mean you have less material to create friction and slow the vehicle down. This is a serious safety risk as it means a driver can’t brake properly in an emergency situation.
- Low brake fluid levels are likely caused by a leak in the brake system, which would reduce hydraulic pressure. The primary symptom of low brake fluid is spongy brakes.
- When brakes overheat, they lose their effectiveness, leading to what’s called ‘brake fade.’ This is common in high-performance driving and requires a brake fluid flush if it becomes a frequent issue.
Get Less Responsive Brakes Serviced Immediately
Brakes that are less responsive and that feel soft when applied can stem from a number of causes.
Air in the brake lines can make a brake pedal feel less responsive and softer. If this is the cause, the brake line needs to be bled to remove air bubbles. Sometimes, the rubber brake line deteriorates to the point where hydraulic pressure is lost, and the brakes no longer work as well.
Pay Attention to Brake Warning Lights
The brake warning lights on your car’s dashboard can alert you to problems that require the attention of a professional brake service expert. When they light up, it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Brake Warning Light
Any general problem with your brake system that your vehicle sensors pick up on will be reflected in the brake warning light. It may be low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or an issue with your ABS.
ABS Warning Light
This relates to your Anti-Lock Braking System and typically indicates a problem with the sensor, hydraulic valves, or the ABS control module. This type of issue requires a diagnostic scan from a brake service expert to pinpoint what the issue is and make the necessary repairs.
Don’t Ignore The Warning Signs Of Brake Issues
Drive safe, and never ignore the warning signs that there is something wrong with your brake system. If you notice one or more of the signs mentioned, get your brakes serviced. When youbuy a pre-owned used car, truck, or SUV from Race Auto Group, you don’t have to worry about the quality of your brakes.
Every pre-owned vehicle we sell has already had its brakes inspected and serviced beforehand, ensuring you can drive away your newly purchased vehicle without a worry!
Browse the selection atRace Auto Group to learn more about the benefits of buying a used car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that relate to the signs your car needs brake service.
How long can I ignore brake problems?
It’s best not to ignore a brake issue. A small problem with your brakes is only going to get worse if you don’t get your brakes serviced. It’s pivotal to your vehicle’s safety that your brakes are functioning correctly.
How long does it take for brakes to wear down?
Brake pads generally wear down and require a replacement every 48,000 to 56,000 kilometres. That said, if you notice issues with your brakes sooner, your pads may have worn more quickly or there may be other issues. Contact your mechanic for professional brake services.
Do brakes last longer with highway driving?
As highway driving requires less braking, it’s not uncommon to see brakes last as long as 128,000 kilometres in some vehicles before needing a replacement.