What are the signs of bad brakes?

One of the most critical safety features for any car is ensuring the brakes are working properly. For this reason, knowing what are the signs of bad brakes of the essence for every driver. Below are some of the most common signs of bad brakes.

1. Brake Lights On

If your vehicle's brake warning light on the dashboard comes on, it's an indicator of potential problems. Parking brakes can trigger the alert in some vehicles, but if it persists after disengaging the brake, it's time to act. 

2. Squealing Sounds

When your brake pads wear out, an indicator makes a really irritating noise. The noise is more evident when you depress the brake pedal. This noise can also be caused by rust over your brake pads. However, since it is hard to tell the difference, it's advisable to have the pads checked to ensure your safety. 

3. Vibration When Braking

If you feel a vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel when the brake pedals are pressed, it may indicate warped brake rotors. This can affect braking performance and should be addressed promptly.

4. Visible Wear-and-Tear

The question of what are the signs of bad brakes can also be answered by visual inspection. The condition of your car brakes tells a lot about the functionality of your brakes. If the pads are a quarter-inch thick, it's time to replace them. 

5. Leaking Brake Fluid

There are a lot of things that take place every time you apply your brakes. One of the processes is the creation of hydraulic pressure by the brake fluid. Without sufficient brake fluid, your car might not stop safely. Brake fluid decline can be natural or due to leakage, requiring professional attention.

Your car might demand regular brake replacement if you drive it more often. Delay in servicing your car puts you and other road users at hazard. Have your car serviced regularly for your safety and durability.

Need to know what are the signs of bad brakes? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake replacement and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

How Often Do You Need Brakes Replaced?

As with any other components of your car, brakes wear out as the miles add up and will eventually need some form of repair. If your brakes don’t respond the instant you step on the pedal, you should request an appointment with a brake repair mechanic as soon as possible.  

What can you do to increase the lifespan of your brakes and prevent an urgent brake repair?  Smooth and steady driving is the key!  Prevent sudden hard stops by leaving sufficient distance between your car and other vehicles. When driving downhill, downshift and let up on the accelerator to slow down rather than “riding” the brake pedal all the way down the hill.  Have your brakes checked frequently, possibly at every tire rotation service?

How often do you need brakes replaced?  This will depend on various factors, such as:

• Quality of the brake pad, 
• Where you drive (the condition of the road),
• How you drive (hard sudden stops or gentle coasting when stopping), 
• What kind of transmission you drive (automatic or manual) 
• Condition of rotors and calipers 

Some indicators of a needed brake repair may be: 

1. Soft feeling brakes.  Condensation collecting in the brake fluid reservoir, air in the brake lines, brake line damage, or low brake fluid can cause your brakes to feel spongy.
2. Smoking brakes.  Brake pads burned by aggressive driving might actually begin to smoke and release a bad odor.
3. Squealing brakes.  Brake pads can become “glazed” from exposure to the excessive heat generated by friction, emitting a screeching sound when the brakes are applied.

As soon as you suspect brake issues, slow down and find a safe place to pull over.  If you don’t have very far to go to a brake repair shop, delay for your brakes to cool down before driving on.  To be safe, you may want to call roadside assistance for towing.

Have more questions about how often do you need brakes replaced?  Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

How Do You Know When You Need New Brakes?

If you are a conscientious driver, you may often wonder how do you know when you need new brakes.  As the miles add up, it is inevitable that parts of your braking systems start to wear.  Most car drivers don’t want to be the cause of an accident because of failing brakes!  To prevent an expensive brake repair or worse an accident, it is wise to have your brakes checked on a regular basis, possibly at every tire rotation or oil change service.

How do you know when you need new brakes? If you start to notice any of the issues below, don’t put off scheduling an inspection and the appropriate brake repair:

• Noisy brakes – Screeching, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding will be noticeable when the brake pads and rotors are worn out. 
• Vibrations – If you feel the brake pedal pulsate every time you step on it, the disc has become warped and will want to either be replaced.
• Burning smells – Brake fluid leaking onto a hot motor produces a burning smell.  Your auto mechanic can check your brakes to determine the source of the leak and then repair it.
• Longer stopping distances – If the brake pedal feels “mushy” and it goes all the way to the floor before stopping your car, it’s time for a brake repair.  
• Pulling – If the front brake pads are worn down too far, your vehicle will pull to one side or the other while braking You will also need to keep straightening the steering wheel.
• Warning light – A warning light on the dash panel will illuminate when the electronic-wear indicators indicate that the pads have worn down to a specified measurement.  

A word of advice:   Because brake parts wear gradually, frequent inspections will keep you driving as safe as possible.  Don’t let your brakes reach the risky stage before taking action.  Ask for a brake checkup whenever you schedule a tire rotation or oil change service.

Have more questions about how do you know when you need new brakes?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering How Often Should Brakes Be Replaced?

Inappropriately, there is no clear-cut timeline that tells you how often should brakes be replaced.  You may only drive 8,000 miles per year, but if it is consistent stop-and-go driving in a large city, your brakes will wear more quickly than if you drive 15,000 miles through the flatlands of South Dakota. 

There are some factors to take into consideration that determine how often you will want a brake replacement, such as:

• How you drive,
• The weight of your vehicle, which includes passengers and cargo
• The quality of your brake materials, and
• The purpose of your vehicle.

Brake experts will tell you that the best way to determine if you want a brake replacement is to rely on how your brakes are performing, plus what you hear, see and feel!

If you hear a squealing sound when you step on the brake pedal, it could be the built-in wear sensors scraping against the brake disc.  If your car does not have a built-in sensor, listen for squeaking, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding.  Cleaning the brakes can get rid of several minor noises, but persistent, loud noises generally mean parts are worn out.

Have you noticed the little brake warning light that flashes when you start up your car?  If it illuminates while you’re driving, it is an indicator that your brake system may be low on fluid due to a leak or an issue with the master cylinder.  Also, many vehicles have an electronic wear indicator with a dashboard warning light if the brake pads reach a certain minimum thickness.

Tip to Remember:  Because many drivers have their tires rotated periodically (mechanics recommend a tire rotation at least every 6 months), have your brakes checked visually at the same time.  This is the best way to determine the condition of the brake pads, rotors, calipers and drum.

Are you wondering how often should brakes be replaced?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.