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4 Signs You're Way Overdue for a Brake Check

Jan 25, 2024

Are you in need of car repairs? Are those brake pads wearing thin? Have the rotors seen better days? Pay attention to the signs that your brakes desperately need some care. Putting off brake repair leads to expensive damage down the road. You should try to catch issues early and save your wallet from a world of hurt. Let's take a look for more information!


1. Squeaks, Squeals, and Grinding Noises


When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, the last thing you want to hear is high-pitched squealing or grinding noises. Both point to brake components rubbing together when they shouldn't. Metal on metal usually creates an ear-piercing squeal. Grinding noises indicate glazed brake pads or uneven rotor wear. Either way, it's brake repair time! Don't let these sounds continue, or they'll accelerate wear even faster.


2. Vibrations Through the Brake Pedals


A smooth, consistent brake pedal feel gives you control. Vibration is not your friend. If you notice pulsating, shaking, or vibration in the pedal, warped brake rotors may be the culprit. Rotors can warp from intense heat during hard braking. Pulsation also happens when thick brake pads tilt away from the rotor. Getting those rotors machined or replaced solves this scary vibration problem.


3. Brake Sinking


Pay attention to how far you press the brake pedal before the vehicle begins to slow. If you're pushing it nearly to the floor with little initial braking action, that's trouble. This likely means worn brake pads and caliper pistons that need adjustment from excessive pad wear. A deep brake pedal sink is extremely dangerous and makes it tough to slow in an emergency. Worn pads demand immediate brake repair.


4. Brake Dragging


Do your brakes stay activated briefly after pulling into the driveway or parking? This usually indicates caliper pins sticking from corrosion and not retracting properly. Sticking and dragging brakes quickly overheat. At best, dragging brakes waste gas and wears out pads faster. At worst, you'll wind up needing far more extensive brake repair from heat damage.


Watch for these red flags that signal your brakes urgently need some care. Letting issues go leads to more extensive repairs, while staying on top of maintenance saves money, boosts safety, and gives you peace of mind behind the wheel. According to Automotive Fleet, the percentage of collisions that are linked to bad brakes is 20%. When you need brake repairs, bring your car to us. Visit us online or call us at JM Auto Repair to make an appointment if you need
car repairs.


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