You might not think about them that often, but your brakes are one of the most vital parts of your car. You need to keep them in good working condition in case you ever need to come to a screeching halt while driving… or, you know, just to drive safely in general!
We’ve compiled a list of the warning signs that may allude to damaged brakes. The list also includes things you can do to check and see if your brakes need replaced.
1. Look for wear between the wheel’s spokes. Look for an outer pad; it should be pressed against a metal rotor. If your brakes are in good working condition, there will be ¼ inch of a pad there. If there is less than that, you should have them inspected by a mechanic.
2. Listen for a screeching or grinding noise. That’s also a good indication of damaged brakes. The sound should be loud enough to hear even if the windows are up, but not necessarily loud enough to hear over a radio (for example.) However, a screeching sound doesn’t necessarily mean your brakes need replaced. It’s possible that they simply need rotated.
3. Feel for the warning signs—they include non-responsiveness when you push down on them, a brake pedal that sinks to the floor, etc. This could also be a leak in the brake system.
4. Watch out for pulling. If your car “pulls” to one side when you hit the brakes, that’s a good indication that the brake linings are wearing thin.
5. Feel for unnecessary vibrating that wasn’t present before. Vibrations can mean any number of things, but can be a warning sign of warped rotors or a misalignment.
San Jose Auto Repair can fix brakes, do routine maintenance checks, and can perform inspections, too. Our on-site, certified technicians will inspect your brakes with great attention to detail. Call us today if you think your brakes may be in need of a repair - (408) 258-6625.
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