Brakes are a critical part of your vehicle, and how well they work directly indicates how safe you drive. You can’t afford to let anything go wrong with your brakes, and it’s important to know what signs indicate that you need to inspect them immediately.
You’re Hearing Unusual Noises
If you hear unusual noises while driving, it’s time to have your brakes checked out by a mechanic. These unusual noises might indicate that you need brake pads or rotors replaced.
Brake pads are the removable surfaces that calipers use to contact the rotors when you apply the brakes. Over time, this friction will wear them down and require replacement.
One of the first signs that your brakes need repair is when you hear a squealing sound when you press the brake pedal. This sounds like tiny metal hairs from the brake pad’s grippy material making contact with the rotor.
Your Brake Pedal is Vibrating
If your brake pedal vibrates when you press it, it’s a sign that your brakes aren’t working as they should. This can indicate one or more issues, such as a worn caliper, a stuck piston, or a leak in the brake fluid line.
Fortunately, most brake problems are easy to diagnose and fix.
When braking, a damaged or warped rotor is the most common cause of shaking. Rotors are part of your car’s brake system that gets squeezed by your brake pads to slow you down. If the rotors are warped, they will lose their flat surface and begin to bounce as you press your brake pads, creating a vibration that can be felt throughout your vehicle.
Your Brake Pedal is Falling to the Floor
Your brake pedal should never sink to the floor – it should always give you enough resistance to stop your car. If your brake pedal falls to the bottom, a severe issue with your braking system must be fixed immediately by brake repair Edmonds WA for instance.
One common cause of a soft or spongy brake pedal is air in the brake lines. This problem should be checked and repaired immediately as it can prevent brake fluid from flowing properly, making your brakes feel mushy or soft.
Another common cause of a spongy brake pedal is axle bearing failure. This problem can occur after long periods of driving or after turning a hard corner. It causes the piston to push back into the caliper, creating an air gap that will make the brake pedal go to the floor as it fills with fluid to close the gap.
Your Brake Pedal is Pulling
If your brake pedal pulls while driving, this indicates a problem with your brakes. This can be caused by several things, including calipers stuck in one place or brake lines with rust holes.
If the pull is noticeable, stop at a safe place and step down on your brake pedal. This will cause the power to become more pronounced and could indicate that you have a stuck piston in your caliper.
In addition to pulling, your brakes may feel spongy or soft when you apply the pedal. This is caused by air intrusion, contaminated brake fluid, or a mechanical component moving past its designed range of motion.
Your Brake Pedal is Shaking
A vibration in your brake pedal can signal that something is wrong with your braking system. Several different problems, including dry guide pins, warped brake rotors, or uneven pad wear, may cause it.
Depending on the specific cause, a shaking pedal can be a problem that needs to be fixed immediately. It may also indicate that you need more brake fluid or that your brake pads must be thicker.
