As a vehicle owner, you may not take the time to know about the inner workings of car brakes and their day-to-day functions. When they’re working fine, they slow down and stop your vehicle by turning kinetic energy (the movement of your wheels) into heat energy by generating friction when applying brakes. When they malfunction, they produce a loud, high-pitched screeching sound as you press the pedal, pull to the side, or don’t respond when pressed.
This guide can help you determine when your vehicle is in need of car brake repair service. Do read the complete post for sure signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment.
The Essential Function of Brakes
Besides saving your ears from the high-pitched screaming noise that’s produced when brakes fail, well-functioning brakes are essential to your safety when operating a vehicle. On a car or truck with well-functioning brakes, friction is applied to press a brake pad against the rotating brake disc when the pedal is pressed. This contact prompts your car to safely slow down and come to a stop.
Signs of Worn Brakes
The signs that your vehicle’s brakes have failed are quite obvious, especially compared to some issues that can go unnoticed for months. Thankfully, brake repair and brake pad replacement are basic services and, can be taken care of in just a few hours. Car brake repair becomes necessary when you start experiencing any of the following while braking.
Squeaky or Screeching Brakes
One typical sign that your vehicle needs its brakes replaced is a squeaky or screeching sound when you push down on the pedal. The source of the noise is small metal shims that are integrated into your brake pads and provide a warning that they’re rubbing thin. If such noises are heard, it indicates your car is ready for a car brake repair service.
Grinding Brake Sounds
If you ignore the squeaky sounds that your brakes make and continue to drive, your brake pads will wear down and produce a grinding noise. It indicates that your brake pads have completely worn down and the metal calipers are rubbing against the metal of the rotors. Due to the rubbing, grooves and gouges are created on the rotor’s surface and if not repaired, can cause damage that will need costlier repairs than just a brake pad change.
When you start experiencing grinding when you press on the brakes, you must get your car serviced immediately.
Pulling to the Side While Braking
Your car’s brakes may wear unevenly so that it starts pulling to one side or the other while braking. Most of the time this is caused by a malfunctioning caliper in your braking system. The guide pins on each side of your brake caliper function by steering the proper direction for how the brake pad meets the rotor. Like the other faulty brake behavior mentioned above, if you experience this while driving your vehicle needs servicing immediately.
The Bottom Line
From a check brakes light on your dashboard to grinding, squeaking, or pulling while you brake, all are signs that your vehicle’s brakes need to be serviced.
