Your owner’s manual will tell you how often your vehicle’s brake system needs inspection and servicing but it’s always wise to err on the side of caution when it comes to your brakes. Brake failure causes accidents, in some cases fatal, and can leave you injured and legally liable for other people’s injuries. Auto Correct Car Care is brake specialists in Finksburg, MD, – among other automotive maintenance and repair services – and your brakes need servicing if you notice any of the following four signs.
1. Unusual Noises
Got squeaky brakes? Have them inspected. Whether your brakes squeal while you’re driving or when you stop, squeaking or squealing are a sign that you are overdue for brake preventative maintenance or that there is something wrong with a brake part or parts. Brake pads squeak on purpose as they wear down to alert you of their wear. They also grind when they’re completely gone and this metal-on-metal grinding can seriously damage your rotors.
2. Unusual Smells
If you just got new brakes you’ll smell burning rubber for about a day each time you depress the brake pedal. After that, you shouldn’t smell anything when you apply the brakes. If you smell burning or strong chemical smells, your brakes are overheating and this opens you up to a very dangerous situation. Overheating brakes will fail if the brake fluid gets too hot, so pull over and call for a tow to Auto Correct Car Care. We’ll find out why your brakes are overheating.
3. Unusual Vehicle Handling
Wheels or suspension trouble often causes issues with vehicle handling, but a brake problem can also be the culprit. If one of your calipers is wearing down unevenly compared to the rest of them, your vehicle might pull to the side of the worn caliper when you brake. Another sign you have brake trouble is if you notice your brake pedal or steering wheel vibrating when you slow down and stop your car. Braking should be smooth and your vehicle control shouldn’t change when you brake.
4. Unusual Brake Pedal Resistance
Finally, on average, brake pedals stop before they hit the floor underneath them. Generally, they stop about 1-inch to 1 1/2 inches from the driver’s floor mat. If your brake pedal sinks further than that, you’ve got a problem. There should never be a change in your brake pedal’s resistance. It should always stop at about the same place. If it feels different to you or sinks more than usual, you probably have a problem with your master cylinder or brake lines.
Call Auto Correct Car Care in Finksburg, MD to set up a brake inspection.