Ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive begins with working components. The brakes are among the most critical aspects of your car and are designed to keep you safe. When they malfunction or no longer operate, you should stay off the road.
Here are four crucial indicators that it might be time to schedule a brake repair:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: This is often the first sign that your brake pads are wearing out. Usually, your brakes should be silent, but any squealing, screeching, or grinding indicates a problem. These sounds can mean the brake pads have reached their minimum thickness or that the brake components require immediate attention. Ignoring these sounds can lead to further damage to the brake system.
- Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or requires more effort to press than usual, it could be a problem with the brake lines or a potential brake fluid leak. This can compromise your vehicle’s ability to stop and require a brake repair immediately.
- It Takes Long to Stop: Your brakes should be responsive. Feeling that your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual might indicate diminished brake efficiency. There are several possibilities for why this occurs, and having the brakes assessed can ensure they function optimally.
- Warning Lights: The last common sign you need a brake repair is if the warning lights are going off. This warning light can signal various issues, including low brake fluid levels, worn brake pads, or a malfunction within the braking system. Professional diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact cause.