Talking about automobile safety, nothing is as important to a vehicle as brakes. Whether you are on an interstate or a city road, your brakes are the only things that allow you to slow down and avoid an accident. However, like any other car accessory, the brake wears out with service time and therefore requires repair. A proper brake repair may be the decisive factor between safe car operation and a possible accident on the road ahead.
In this blog, we will learn about the major symptoms that tell that your brakes have some issues which can’t wait and why one must not overlook them.
Squealing or Screeching Sounds
The first and most noticeable symptom that is easy to associate with a need for repairing the brake is when the brakes start to squeak loudly whenever you use them. This noise is normally produced by wear indicators that are normally fitted on the brake pads. They are intended to make a sound when the pad reaches the point of wearing, which requires replacement.
If you get to hear this kind of sound, then the brake pads are worn thin and they can no longer stop your vehicle effectively.
Vibrations When Braking
Another sign is when you start to notice that, anytime you apply pressure on the brake pedal, you feel a vibration or a pulsating motion, there is a problem somewhere. These vibrations could indicate that your brake rotors are badly worn.
This problem is common mostly from heat build-up, which is prevalent when applying brakes or doing sustained descending. The best method is to look for a specialist in brake repair to examine the car and rebalance your braking system.
Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal
All the functions of your car’s braking system should be smooth, and when you step on the brake pedal it should give a firmer feel. You should also realise that when you press the brake pedal it feels soft, and when you press it right to the floor with minimal resistance, something must be very wrong with your car’s brake system.
It could also mean that the car has a brake fluid leak which is just as dangerous as low brake fluid. If it is still causing you to feel something off about your pedal or heaven forbid, the warning light comes on, then it is time to get an appointment from a mechanic.
Pulling to One Side
It is also very simple to notice that your car pulls to a specific side each time you apply the brakes – definitely, something like this should not be on the list of normal occurrences.
A problem with a brake calliper means that the brake on one wheel is stuck while the other brakes and thus causes the car to pull towards the stuck side. In addition to that, not heeding this sign means not only are you putting yourself at even more risk while on the road but also causing your tyres and suspension to wear unevenly.
Burning Smell When Braking
Another indication that you need to get your brakes fixed is when you get a smell that resembles the smell of burnt sulphur and chemicals. This smell usually occurs if the brakes have gotten hot and they are usually this hot during a lot of braking such as downhill.
In this case, going nowhere else without investigating the problem could cause the brakes to fail; you should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
Most current automobiles come fitted with warning lights on the dashboard to indicate any problems with the automobile including those that touch on the braking system. If the brake warning light comes on there could be anything wrong with the brake fluid as well as the anti-lock braking system. But nonetheless, it is always advisable to take the light to a mechanic to check whether there is anything critically wrong with the car.
Why Timely Brake Repair Is Important
If any of them remain unnoticed, they lead to poor ends, longer stopping distances or even total brake failure. This is because small problems with the brake system, if not fixed in good time, may cause accidents besides having expensive impacts on the car’s repair costs in the future and the general lifespan of your car.
If you are in Melbourne it is advisable to take your car to a brake repair in Prahran professional for inspection and repair of the above signs which could be the forewarning of serious damages.
Conclusion
The braking system is one of the most important safety features of your vehicle and if you ignore any sign that arises from a faulty braking system you stand to be in a perilous position. When brakes start squeaking, an unusual rumbling, or a warning light flashes, the vehicle owner has to recognise these signals and repair the brakes immediately. If you consult a mechanic, your brakes will be in perfect condition and help you avoid awful accidents as well as expensive repairs in the future.
