Bad brakes got you down? When you know you need a brake repair, you know. Whether you find it more difficult to come to a stop or a soft brake pedal, when it comes to bad brake symptoms, there are some you shouldn’t ignore. When you notice any of these three signs of bad brakes, it’s time to get a brake repair service on your calendar.
Related: How to Tell if Your Brakes Are Bad
Related: How Brakes Work
Related: What’s Going On with My Brakes?
Unusual Sounds When Braking
Some of the most common bad brake symptoms involve strange sounds. Anytime you hear a new sound when applying the brakes, it’s likely your brake system is associated, and it may be time for a brake repair. Take a look at your brake pads and rotors, but it’s likely time to make an appointment with a trusted technician.
Squealing or Squeaking Means You’re Due for New Brake Pads
Your brake pads have a built-in indicator meant to warn you when they need to be replaced. Once your brake pads are worn down to that indicator, you’ll hear a squeaking or squealing sound each time you use your brakes. While this isn’t yet an emergency, it is a sign that you should schedule a brake repair service soon to avoid over-worn brake pads that could damage your rotors.
Grinding Means Your Brake Pads are Over-Worn
Hear grinding when you use your brakes? That’s a good indicator that your brake pads are worn so much that there’s now metal-on-metal contact that could be damaging your rotors. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it’s also likely that you’ll have to pay for more than just new brake pads. You can prevent this from happening by being proactive about scheduling brake maintenance.
A Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal
Your brake pedal should feel firm when you press it to apply your brakes. Over time, it can become gradually softer. This could be due to an air bubble in your brake lines, which can be fixed by having a trusted technician bleed your brakes. If this doesn’t fix it, however, you could be dealing with a more serious brake repair.
Changes in How Your Brakes Feel
Your brake pedal feels firm – but there are other problems when you apply your brakes. Maybe you notice a vibration from your brake pedal or even the whole car. Or maybe your car pulls to one side. All of these brake symptoms can mean a necessary brake repair is in your near future.
Wobbling or Vibration Can Mean Warped Rotors
If you feel vibration when applying your brakes, you may have warped rotors. With use, the surface of your rotors can become uneven. While this is completely natural, it can also cause vibration and make your brakes less effective. Leveling rotors takes exceptional precision, so it’s not likely you can take care of it on your own at home. Instead, it’s best if you schedule a brake repair service with a trusted technician.
Pulling to One Side Could Mean a Brake Pad is Stuck
After applying your brakes, if your car pulls to one side, it could be because one of your brake pads is stuck. Along with this, you may smell burning and feel like it’s harder to accelerate because your brake pad is still pressed against the rotor. It’s important that you don’t keep driving when you notice these brake symptoms or else you risk causing more serious brake repairs.
Don’t Ignore Brake Problems – Come to Your Nearest AAMCO
Healthy brakes are essential to keep you safe on the road. When you start noticing signs of worn brake pads or any other necessary brake repair, it’s best to bring your car to a trusted technician. For the best Minnesota technicians, come to your nearest AAMCO. We’ll not only get your brake system back in healthy condition, but we’ll also carry out our multi-point inspection to ensure all essential systems in your car are operating their best.
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