Ever wonder how do you know when your brakes are going bad? One sure sign is if it is taking you longer to come to a stop at red lights and stop signs. If this is happening, it is definitely time to schedule a brake service for an inspection of the braking components.
There is no stated schedule in your owner’s manual as to when brakes should be replaced. It will depend on how your brakes are wearing, which is largely determined by your driving style and conditions.
So how do you know when your brakes are going bad? Here are six of the obvious signs that you should be aware of:
- Noisy brakes – A screeching or squealing sound is created when the built-in wear sensors scrape against the brake disc when the pads need replacing. Metal-on-metal grinding is also a sign that the brake pads are entirely worn down.
- Vibrating – A warped disc will cause the brake pedal to pulsate under light or moderate braking.
- Leaking brake fluid – A burning smell while driving could mean brake fluid is leaking onto the hot motor.
- Longer stopping distances – If you are pushing the brake pedal down to the floor to stop your car, it means it is taking a long distance to come to a stop. Because brake linings wear gradually, it could reach the hazardous stage before you notice it.
- Steering problems – If the steering wheel tugs or the car pulls to one side or the other while braking, the front brake pads are worn down too far.
- Dash Warning light – Some cars have electronic wear indicators that alert the driver if the pads wear down to a specified measurement. But a visual inspection during a brake service is the still the best way to check the condition of your brakes.
Tip to remember: Many vehicle owners will ask for a brake inspection at every tire rotation service (about every six months).
How do you know when your brakes are going bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive to schedule an appointment and to find out more about brake service. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Ever wonder how do you know when your brakes are going bad? One sure sign is if it is taking you longer to come to a stop at red lights and stop signs. If this is happening, it is definitely time to schedule a brake service for an inspection of the braking components.
There is no stated schedule in your owner’s manual as to when brakes should be replaced. It will depend on how your brakes are wearing, which is largely determined by your driving style and conditions.
So how do you know when your brakes are going bad? Here are six of the obvious signs that you should be aware of:
- Noisy brakes – A screeching or squealing sound is created when the built-in wear sensors scrape against the brake disc when the pads need replacing. Metal-on-metal grinding is also a sign that the brake pads are entirely worn down.
- Vibrating – A warped disc will cause the brake pedal to pulsate under light or moderate braking.
- Leaking brake fluid – A burning smell while driving could mean brake fluid is leaking onto the hot motor.
- Longer stopping distances – If you are pushing the brake pedal down to the floor to stop your car, it means it is taking a long distance to come to a stop. Because brake linings wear gradually, it could reach the hazardous stage before you notice it.
- Steering problems – If the steering wheel tugs or the car pulls to one side or the other while braking, the front brake pads are worn down too far.
- Dash Warning light – Some cars have electronic wear indicators that alert the driver if the pads wear down to a specified measurement. But a visual inspection during a brake service is the still the best way to check the condition of your brakes.
Tip to remember: Many vehicle owners will ask for a brake inspection at every tire rotation service (about every six months).
How do you know when your brakes are going bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive to schedule an appointment and to find out more about brake service. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
