Perhaps one of the most important things on your car, your braking system is something to never overlook when it comes to maintenance. From brake lines to pads and rotors, there are a ton of things that can go wrong when using your brakes — so there’s even more emphasis on using a trained eye to spot a potential issue! Instead of guessing or waiting until it’s too late, here are a few tips and tricks to decide whether or not you need a change in brakes.
Brake Squealing
If you’re hitting the brakes and you hear squealing of any sort, it might be time for new pads. This is typically an indication that your pads are worn down and metal is making contact with the rotor. Should you hear this, know that it may be causing damage to your other brake components and more expensive fixes can follow if not treated immediately.
Vibrations
If you’re experiencing a slight or heavy vibration when you’re hitting the brakes, this might also be pointing to an issue with the rotors or pads. Typically, this is an early indication of warped rotors, in which it’s causing vibrations due to an uneven surface when braking. To combat this from happening, make sure you’re having your rotors checked out and if need be, replaced.
Less Pressure
Less braking power might point to a few things. It could mean air in your brake lines, low brake fluid, low pad life, or an issue with your braking system as a whole in applying proper pressure. To make sure nothing is actually wrong on a major scale, it’s important to make sure you’re having it checked out and have any parts replaced before it becomes an expensive fix.