What Are the Signs That Your Car Needs a Brake Repair?
You hear a heart-stopping squeal or screech or worse, a frightful metal grind when you brake. The brake light on your dashboard is on, and you feel vibrations through the steering wheel. These are all signs that will warn you that your car needs a brake repair.
The Brake Warning Light Stays On
When you start your Honda, and the brake light on your dashboard stays on, it is means you have a problem with your braking system. Don’t ignore it, and get it repaired as soon as you can. Driving with bad brakes is dangerous and can cause accidents.
You Hear Strange Sounds When You Brake
Brake pads actually warn you when they are worn and need to be replaced. There is a piece of metal built into the brake pads that make a sound when it comes into contact with the rotors.
Squealing and Screeching
This is that dreadful noise that sounds like nails on a chalkboard when you brake and warns you that it’s time for a brake service. When the rotors are glazed or have a high shine caused by braking too hard, you will hear a screeching sound. If you see dark marks or rings on the rotors, they need to be replaced.
A Metallic Grinding
It is impossible to ignore the squealing and screeching, but if you do, it will turn into a horrendous grinding noise. This is a sign that the brake pads are now completely worn, and the metal plate is grinding against the rotor.
When You Brake, Your Car Is Slow to Respond
You hit the brakes, but very little happens, and it feels like your car is taking forever to come to a halt. This is a sign that your car’s brake pads and rotors don’t grip well because they are old and worn. The problem can also be caused by an air leak in the brake hose or by a brake fluid leak.
You Feel Vibrations
When you feel vibrations through the brake pedal or the steering wheel, the cause is old and thin rotors that warp with age. It’s best to get them replaced ASAP.
When You Brake Your Car Pulls to the Side
This is caused by dirty brake fluid or brakes that are worn more on one side than the other and need adjusting.
You See Dark Stains Under Your Car
Check under your car for wet spots. Brake fluid will leak out if the braking system’s hoses are split, the connections are loose, or the seals are worn.
The Brake Pads Are Thin
When the brake pads look thin and are less than a quarter-inch, they need to be replaced. Some brake pads have a groove in the middle of the brake pad, and when it looks worn down, it is a sign that you need new ones.
Brakes are an integral part of your car and keep you, your passengers safe. That is why regular brake maintenance at an authorized dealer is crucial. Contact South Tacoma Honda today. Our skilled technicians will repair your brakes and ensure that you are safe on the road.
2 comment(s) so far on What Are the Signs That Your Car Needs a Brake Repair?
It was really helpful when you said that your brake pads are worn if you hear a grinding noise. Last night I heard a grinding noise coming from my brakes while driving home from work, so I was wondering what the cause of it that could be, and if I should be worried. I’ll have to look into finding an auto repair shop that can fix my brakes for me as soon as possible.
It’s great that you talked about how brake fluid would leak out if the braking system’s hoses are split, the connections are loose, or the seals are worn. I noticed a wet spot on our garage floor earlier and I think it was due to a brake fluid leak. I need to get the car checked, so I’ll ask a professional mechanic to look into it.