Some of the systems in your car might leave you guessing a bit about when they need servicing. Your brakes, on the other hand, tend to communicate problems pretty clearly. Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros wants you to be aware of these possible signs your brakes are failing.
You’re Feeling a Vibration When You Press the Brake Pedal
When you press the brake pedal, ideally you meet some resistance and the car starts to slow down. What you don’t want to feel is any kind of shaking or vibration through the pedal or in the car itself. This typically means that the rotor is likely warped, which means it can’t connect properly with the brake pads.
The Brake Pedal Is Spongy or Goes All the Way to the Floor
If you press the brake pedal and it feels soft, squishy, or like you stepped on a sponge, that’s not a good sign. You might have air in your brake lines or even leaking brake fluid. This is something that should cause you to pull over and avoid driving, because it’s entirely possible that your brakes could fail.
The Car Is Pulling When You Brake
Something else that might happen when you’re having brake issues is that the car pulls to one side or to the other when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. This usually means either uneven wear on the brake pads or issues with a caliper. There can be other issues, too, but the big takeaway is that you need to have your brakes inspected.
You’re Hearing Sounds Coming from Your Brakes
You might occasionally hear sounds coming from your brakes, but those are likely to be fairly mild. When your brakes are going bad, you’re probably going to hear grinding or squealing sounds. These sounds are fairly mild compared to when your brakes are failing. At that point, you’re likely to hear sounds like metal scraping metal, which can mean that you’ve hit the wear tabs on the brake pads.
The Brake Dash Warning Light Is On
Typically, you’re going to see the brake light on your dashboard in very few situations. You’ll see it when you start your car and all the dashboard lights come on and go off and you’ll see it when you have your parking brake engaged. If neither of those situations are in play and you see your brake warning light, it’s time for a brake inspection.
If you’re pretty sure that there’s something going on with your brakes, don’t keep guessing. Contact us at Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros in Seaside, CA and we can fully inspect your brake system for you. Getting you back on the road safely is our priority.