5 Signs Your Brakes Are In Need Of Attention
• The Brake Light Is On
When your brake light comes on, it’s a warning that something is wrong with the system. Most cars have a brake light that looks like a circle with an exclamation mark or a letter “P.” It’s located somewhere on the dashboard and can vary from car to car, but it typically indicates something may be wrong with your brakes. In any case, if your brake light comes on it’s time to call a mechanic and get it fixed. The longer you wait, the more expensive repairs can be.
• The Brake Pedal Feels Mushy
If your brake pedal feels spongy, soft, or like it’s sinking to the floor when you press it down, this is a sign that something is wrong with the brakes. It could indicate air in the system, moisture buildup, or even a problem with the master cylinder. Brake lines are made of steel tubing, and over time they can become corroded by rust. This causes small holes to develop, allowing brake fluid to leak. This loss of brake fluid leads to hydraulic pressure loss, causing the pedal to feel soft or go down too easily.
• The Brake Pedal Pulsates
Seeing your brakes make an uncanny pulsating appearance before they stop is a sign that your braking system is in need of some attention. You can also check for a small red light on the dashboard that will flash when it detects a problem with your brake system. This will let you know that your vehicle is in need of a quick repair before you run into a road hazard. A good mechanic can quickly identify the most likely causes of your braking problems and recommend the most efficient ways to keep your car on the road.
• The Brake Pedal Takes A Long Time To Stop
If you notice that your brake pedal takes a long time to stop, this is definitely something you should have checked out by a mechanic. The longer your vehicle’s brakes take to stop, the more likely it is that you will hit someone or something. The most common cause of this issue is air in your brake lines. This can prevent the brake fluid from flowing properly and causing your brakes to feel soft or spongy.
• The Brake Pedal Makes A Squeaking Noise
The brake system in your vehicle is comprised of brake rotors, brake pads and brake calipers (usually on the front wheels, but also on the rear). When you press the brake pedal, these parts come into contact with the rotor or brake drum, slowing your car. If your brake pedal starts to squeak, it could be an indication that your pads are worn out or something is caught between them and the rotor. Alternatively, the squeaking may be caused by air intrusion in the brake lines or contaminated hydraulic fluid. Regardless, you should have your brakes checked out by a mechanic right away.
Categorised in: Mechanic, Vehicle Maintenance