Your ability to stop your vehicle is, quite possibly, the most important feature of your car. Can you imagine getting on a highway going 70 miles per hour and then realizing you had no brakes? That’s why keeping your brakes in working order should be at the top of your list of maintenance chores that never skip over. Here are a few ways to know when it’s time to get your brakes checked by a professional.
Pulsating Brake Pedal
When you push down on the brake pedal and your car begins slowing down, if you notice it pulsating, then they need to be looked at. Generally, pulsating brakes means your brake pad is warped due to heat or just plain worn out.
Clicking Noises
If you’ve started noticing a click when you approach a stop sign or red light, that means there’s something happening with your brakes. Car manufacturers install a anti-rattle device to stop that clicking sound when you depress the brake pedal. If it’s rattling, then something’s not right. Get it checked out.
Squealing Brakes
Modern brake pads have a small piece of metal attached to the side of your brake pads. They may look like an accident or that they don’t belong, but I assure you, they do. They are designed to emit a squeal when your brakes are nearing the end of their usable life. If you’ve started hearing high pitched squeals, then it’s time to bring it in and let us get you a new set of brake pads.
Also be sure to keep your brake fluid adequately filled. If you are constantly replacing your brake fluid, then you’ve got a leak and that means you’re probably putting undue stress on your brake pads (as if stopping your car wasn’t enough stress).
If you have a need to get your brakes checked, bring it by and let us check it out for you.
