10 Signs That Your Car Needs New Brakes Right Away

We all understand that not everyone is a car geek who always maintains their car in tip-top shape. Some even wait until their car starts giving them problems before bringing it in for service. But one part of your car that you should never neglect is your brakes. Your brakes keep you safe on the road, and they must be in good working order at all times and keep up with brake maintenance from an auto repair shop in North Bismarck, ND. 

Worn-out brakes mean a slight difference in braking time could be the difference between life and death. So for safety’s sake, it’s essential to know the signs that your car needs new brakes.

10 Signs That Your Car’s Brakes Are About To Give Up The Fight

1. High-pitched screeching or grinding noises

When you apply brakes and hear a high-pitched screeching noise, it is due to your brake pads being worn out and needing replacement. The pads contain metal shims that create friction and noise when the brake is activated.

The noise is annoying, but more importantly, it’s a sign that your brakes are not working properly and need to be fixed.

2. Visible wear and tear on brake pads

The wheel’s spokes pressed up against the brake rotor create friction to stop the car, and if there’s not enough pad, it will damage the rotor.

You can inspect your brake pads by looking through your wheels’ spokes. If you can’t see them or look thinner than a quarter-inch, it’s time for new brake pads.

3. Screeching despite new pads

Screeching or other strange noises doesn’t only mean your brake pads are bad. It could signify that your rotors are warped and need to be replaced. Rotors can become warped from age or excessive heat and burn up metal.

If you see dark discoloration or any visible signs of damage on rotors, it’s time to get them replaced from the brake shop. Don’t slam on the brakes frequently, as this can cause the rotors to warp from too much heat.

4. Brake pedal vibration

Warped or damaged rotors will cause your brake pedal to vibrate when you press on them. This is because the rotor’s warped surface cannot make complete contact with the brake pad, which causes a vibration. Irresponsible braking isn’t the only thing that causes rotors to warp; sometimes, it gets too thin.

5. Slow-stopping response

Are you facing problems while coming to a complete stop? If it takes longer for your car to stop than it used to, or you have to press the brake pedal to the floor, it’s a sign that your brakes need attention.

There are signs of leaks in the hydraulic system, a problem with the vacuum booster, or worn-out brake pads. In any case, you should get your car to a mechanic to have it checked out as soon as possible. Search for an auto garage near me in North Bismarck, ND, and find the nearest brake shop.

6. Extremely sensitive brakes 

When you barely press the brake pedal, your car jerks to a halt, which isn’t normal. If your brakes are too sensitive all of a sudden, it could be a sign of a leak in the hydraulic system. Rotors might also be warped, or the brake pads might be glazed over.  

7. Extremely insensitive brakes

If you have to push the pedal hard to the floor for the car to stop, it’s a sign of a bigger problem. It could result from a leak in the hydraulic system, or there might not be enough brake fluid in the reservoir. Mechanics can check for leaks and refill the brake fluid if necessary.

8. Driveway puddle

You’ve likely spilled any brake fluid that may have leaked from your car as you parked it in the driveway or garage. It looks similar to motor oil but has a slightly sweet smell and is not as slimy. 

A small amount of fluid leakage is normal, but if it’s excessive or the level in the reservoir is low, it could be a sign of a leak in the system, and your car needs to be brought in for repair.

9. Pulling to one side

When you apply your brakes, your car veers to one side as if an unseen force were trying to push it in that direction. This is usually caused by an uneven distribution of brake pad material and can be easily fixed by a mechanic. A foreign item in the fluid reservoir may require replacing the entire system and flushing it.

10. Heavy grinding sounds

The even worse sound than screeching, grinding usually means you’ve completely worn down the brake pads, which are now metal on metal. It is the last stage before your car completely loses its ability to stop.

The sound comes from a metal plate mounted on the caliper. In a short amount of time, it melts the brake fluid and will cause extensive damage to the caliper, rotor, and other parts of the braking system.

Concluding

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s essential to get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with bad brakes can be extremely dangerous and cause extensive damage to your car. New brakes will improve your safety on the road and make driving more enjoyable.

Be sure to search for auto repair near me in North Bismarck, ND, so you can find a reputable shop like Tires Plus to service your car. Don’t wait until it’s too late; get your brakes inspected today!