How to Tell if Your Brakes Are Bad

Identifying Common Brake Problems

Squeaking, Squealing, Grinding, Shaking

Your brakes need to be fixed.

An auto mechanic working on disc brakes,  inserting new brake pads in the caliper.As many car owners know, when issues with the brake system arise, they present themselves in a multitude of ways. Over your vehicle’s lifespan, you will likely experience a number or different issues specifically related to the brakes. While these repairs may not always seem to be pressing, problems with the brakes can become dangerous very quickly. Don’t worry! We are going to review some of the most commonly reported problems which require repair.

Paying attention to changes in the way your vehicle drives can indicate brake problems with minimal mechanic experience. We are going to outline some of the most common sounds, smells, and sensations which signal trouble. We will also look at some of the most frequently replaced brake system components.

Brake Pads

It is quite common to replace brake pads, and this is one of the simpler solutions to brake problems. Typically, brake pads are replaced approximately every 50,000 miles (though this really depends on your vehicle make, type, and the type of pads you are using – check your manual for recommendations). Worn pads will cause a metal on metal, grinding sound, and you will notice the braking distance increases. When a brake pad overheats, it causes it to crack, and then they will begin to squeak or squeal. If you’re hearing this sound on a regular basis, it is absolutely time to get them replaced!

Rotors

The surface of rotors must be flat in order to keep contact with the brake pads. Over time, a rotor’s surface will begin to warp due to heat damage, which then causes the vehicle to pulsate or jerk when the brakes are applied. If your rotors are overheated the surface will have a blue or purple hue which hardens the surface preventing the pads from gripping the rotors. Some rotors can be resurfaced (where they physically reshape these discs so that they are smooth and flat again), while others require replacing.

image of mechanic working on brake disc and caliperSticking Caliper

The caliper and caliper brackets hold the brake pads and force them against the rotor to stop the vehicle. When caliper pistons become stuck, the car will begin pulling to one side as the brakes are applied. This will also cause your rotors to overheat and wear down much more quickly. Essentially, one of your brakes is engaged regardless of whether you are driving or stopped. This is much more than just an inconvenience, this can be quite dangerous and should be addressed immediately.

Emergency Brake Engagement

It may seem like more of an issue of attention to detail, but this happens more often than you may think! It is easy to forget when you’ve put your emergency brake on, especially since some modern cars use a button instead of a lever. Leaving your emergency brake on will cause performance issues and damage to the entire system. If you suddenly hear a squeaking or grinding sound, be sure to confirm that your emergency brake is not engaged. 

Brake Light

When the brake light on the dashboard is illuminated, it can indicate that there is a serious issue with the braking system. In many cases, this light points to a problem with the hydraulics and should be inspected and repaired right away. This is not an error light which you should ignore. (This light also indicates that your parking brake is engaged!)

Smoking Brakes

Your brakes should not smoke… Ever. If you are experiencing this, it means that the brake pads have been burned, or that something is leaking onto the brakes. This is a dangerous problem which should be addressed immediately. Any indication of burning should be handled with urgency to prevent further damage and major repairs.

Leaks

If the brake system is leaking, it is usually a sign of a hydraulic issue. If you are able to press the brake pedal all the way to the floor, it can often be traced back to a leak. This type of leak is typically a slow leak where the brake fluid is lost gradually, but this eventually causes the brake system to fail altogether. A puddle of fluid on the ground or a low brake pedal are all symptoms of a leak.

AAMCO Minnesota for All Your Brake Services

Your brake system has a big, important job to do, and should not be taken for granted. Always be aware of the last time work was done on your car’s brakes, and make sure you keep them in top stopping condition! Your vehicle’s manual should provide you a recommended maintenance plan. At AAMCO Minnesota, we have seen it all, and we’ll help you make the best decision regarding solutions to the problems you’ve been encountering. Give us a call, or book an appointment online to get your car back in tiptop shape!

 

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