Signs You Need a Brake Inspection

Did you know that if you were traveling over 60 miles per hour and suddenly needed to stop, it would take your car about the length of a football field (100 yards) to come to a complete stop? Your brakes are the most important part of your vehicle, which is why you should keep them well maintained. They may not be as attractive as your leather seats, but they are crucial when it comes to your safety. This is why it’s so important that you are able to identify the warning signs indicating a need for brake service.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, call San Jose Auto Repair for a brake inspection today.
1. Worn Pads
Having worn brake pads can be very dangerous because they are less effective in stopping your car. In order to know if your brake pads are worn, you must first know how they work. Every time you press on your brakes, a set of padded clamps or “brake pads” squeeze together onto a disc known as the rotor. This creates friction and stops the car. Over time, the brake pads wear thin. If you’ve never had your brake pads replaced, bring your car into San Jose Auto technicians will examine your brake pads to see if they are in good condition.
2. Odd Sounds
Vehicles are actually equipped with a small indicator located in your braking system that senses when your brake pads are worn. This indicator releases a high-pitched sound to signify they need replacing. In addition to this squealing sound from the sensor, you might also hear a grinding sound. This is not good! The grinding sound indicates your brake pads might be worn down. Worn pads can damage your rotors and increase the cost of your repair. Damaged rotors are expensive, so it’s important to avoid this by getting routinely scheduled maintenance and brake service.
3. Pulling
Have you ever noticed your car pulling one direction or the other while you are driving or braking? This could be an alignment issue, but it could also be a sign that there is a problem with your brake system. The reason your car is pulling to one side could be because of uneven brake pads applying different amounts of pressure. So if this happens to you, call San Jose Auto Repair today and we would be happy to inspect your vehicle to find the source of the problem.
4. Vibrations
With an anti-lock brake system, it’s normal to feel pulsing vibrations on sudden stops. However, if you feel these vibrations when braking under normal conditions, you may have an issue. Vibrating brakes indicate the surface of your rotors may be distorted. What you are feeling is the feedback of the uneven surfaces hitting against the brake pads. If your brakes aren’t stopping unless you push them all the way to floor or even if they brake at the slightest touch, these are signs something is wrong. If you notice the ABS light come on and remain lit, then bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection right away.
It’s extremely hazardous to drive with damaged brakes. If you start experiencing any of these issues, San Jose Auto Repair would be happy to do Inspection on your vehicle to find the source of the issue and repair it completely. Keep an eye (or an ear) out for these signs. Stay safe on the road by maintaining your brake pads and rotors on a regular basis. Call San Jose Auto Repair today to schedule a brake inspection!