It is important to have the brake system inspected and serviced at the first sign of trouble. You never want to be in a situation where you cannot stop your automobile while you are driving. Generally, you should have the brakes inspected every 12,000 miles or once a year. Here are signs that your brakes are going bad and need to be serviced or repaired.
ABS or Brake Light Warning
One of the first things that might happen is the ABS or Brake light may turn on while you are driving or applying the brakes. If this happens, there is an issue with the brake system. The only you should see these lights is when you first start your automobile, and they should turn off relatively quickly.
Leaking Brown or Red Fluid
Your brakes need brake fluid in order to slow down and stop your car, truck, or utility vehicle. The two common colors of brake fluid are brown and red. If you see fluid of this color leaking around the wheels or underneath the engine, you may have a brake fluid leak from the hoses or master cylinder.
Overheating/Burning Odors
It is crucial that you pull over and stop driving your automobile if the brake system is overheating. Signs that it is overheating include burning odors and squealing noises. If your brakes get too hot, you will be unable to stop your vehicle, so make sure to pull over and call for a tow if you have these signs.
Pulling While Braking
Another brake system problem that needs immediate attention is pulling to the left or right when you press down on the brake pedal. This is a sign that the brakes have a caliper problem. The calipers should be changed every 75,000 miles. A stuck caliper will cause your automobile to pull to the side.
Strange Brake Pedal Sensations
If your brake pedal starts to feel weird underneath your foot, you should head straight to our shop. This being said, if the brake pedal is sinking to the floor, it’s better to have your car towed. The brake pedal may start to feel too soft, too hard, or wobble under your foot if there’s a brake system problem.
Strange Noises When Braking
Finally, as we mentioned above, your brakes will squeal if they are overheating. They may also squeal if the brake pads need to be changed. If the brake pads are worn out completely, the brakes will scrape or grind. In addition, the vehicle may wobble when you apply the brakes to slow down to stop.
Call us today if you would like to schedule an appointment for a brake inspection. We would be happy to inspect your brakes and conduct any necessary work.
