Unless you know exactly what to look for, it’s easy to overlook your brakes and when they’re due to be changed. Because there’s emphasis on how important they are as a safety component, it is somewhat important to have them looked at every now and again. Brake pads can last you thousands of miles, but it’s important to know when they’re due for a swap. Here are a few indicators that it might be time to look into having your brake components replaced.
Squeaking & Screeching Brakes
If you’re coming to a stop and hear your brakes at work, it’s likely that a change needs to be made. Brake pads can eventually wear down to the metal, which is one cause of this noise. This is a perfect indicator that you should be looking into replacing them as soon as possible. Metal on metal never works out in anyone’s favor, and can lead to more costs in the future.
Less Pressure
When you hit the brakes, you should instantly begin to slow down — and if that isn’t the case, there’s an issue there. As your brake pads wear down, it takes more pressure to apply them to the rotor. This is a sheer indication that the pads are becoming too worn down to provide you with appropriate stopping power. If this is the case, get them checked out and replaced as soon as possible.
Rust
For older cars, rust can begin to form on the rotors in various spaces. This is not to be confused with the surface rust that appears after a rainstorm, but rust and corrosion on the rotor itself. This or a warped rotor can lead to many problems down the line, so it’s important to make sure that you are well prepared and have these looked at once per year.
Of course, if you think your brakes need an examination, it’s a good idea to have them looked at as soon as possible. Safety is your number one priority, and brakes are a big factor in keeping you safe while driving.
Southport Automotive is Fairfield County’s premier service station for all things Automotive. In business since 1981, we’ve helped get thousands of Connecticut residents back on the road faster, and for longer. To learn more about how we can help your vehicle stay in its best shape, please give us a call at 203-259-3839. For more tips and tricks, make sure to like us on Facebook!