The brakes on your vehicle are likely the most common component you take for granted. When you need to stop or slow down, you step on the brake pedal without even questioning whether the brakes will fail or operate correctly. It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle when driving and get any braking issues resolved as quickly as possible. Here are some symptoms to be aware of that might indicate you need new brakes.
Lack Of Responsiveness
If your brake pedal isn’t responding the way it usually does or how you would expect it to, you could have a brake problem. This lack of responsiveness could mean it’s not stopping quickly enough, or you have to press the pedal all the way to the floor to get the vehicle to stop.
Does The Vehicle Pull One Way When Engaging The Brakes?
Another test you can do for your brake system is to take your hands off the steering wheel while driving and press the brake pedal gently. If the vehicle pulls one way or the other, it’s a clear sign you have a problem with the brakes and need to get the issue addressed immediately.
Grinding Or Squealing Noises When Applying The Brakes
Grinding or squealing noises when applying the brakes are the most common symptoms of faulty or worn-out brakes. The good thing about these noises is they are very obvious to anyone who is in or around the vehicle so they won’t go unnoticed. Any time you hear these noises, you should have the vehicle checked out as soon as possible.
Vibrations In The Brakes
If your brake pedal or the steering wheel vibrates when you engage the brake pedal, it’s a sign of a brake issue. It’s easy to ignore this issue since it’s not making a loud noise and seemingly not impacting your brakes, but you should still have the issue addressed with a mechanic.
At DeBoer’s Auto, we tell our customers to look, listen, and feel when it comes to their brake system. Look at your wheels to see if there’s excessive brake dust on one or more. Listen for any unusual noises when you use the brakes as discussed. You can also feel the wheels after driving to see if one wheel is hotter than the other. If you are experiencing any issues with your brakes or would like more tips about how to maintain your vehicle, contact us at any time.
