Understanding Automotive Brake Parts and Services

Tips For Troubleshooting 3 Common Brake Problems

Few things can be said to be the literal difference between life and death, but the brakes on your car just might be one of them. Of course, that's not to say that brake failure is always catastrophic, but properly functioning brakes should be at or near the top of the auto maintenance list. If you have recently been noticing problems with your brakes, keep reading below to help diagnose the problem and discover what you can do to work toward solving it. 

Shaking Steering Wheel

This is one of the most common problems people have, and many do not even realize that it is connected to their brakes. What happens is simple: every time the car comes to a gradual stop, the steering wheel begins to shake slightly. This problem can seem minor (or even the fault of bad roads) but in reality, your front disc brakes need to be checked and likely replaced. Don't ignore this issue too long, as it can easily lead to more serious problems down the road.

Grinding Noises

This is another common problem that people often don't take seriously enough. If you hear a grinding noise as your vehicle comes to a stop, it is almost certain that the brake linings have worn down completely. Feeling the grinding through the pedal is another symptom, and an extreme one at that. The grinding noise is essentially the metal brake pad coming into direct and repeated contact with the brake disc or drum, which of course can ruin the brakes entirely. Not only is this an expensive, but it puts you and the other passengers in the vehicle at risk when you could have your car towed to a mechanic and fixed in no time.

Pulsating Pedal

This is one of the more unusual sensations to experience as a driver. As you come to a stop (more often than not, it is a sudden one), you may feel as though the brake pedal is moving ever so slightly up and down under your foot. This pulsating might appear at first be simply a figment of your imagination, but if it happens more than once, you can bet that your brakes are overheating. This can happen after a long drive or in summer weather only occasionally, but if it happens repeatedly, it may be the case that there is a lot of lateral run-out, and you'll need to visit a mechanic immediately. 

Contact a shop, like Top Value Service Center, for more help.


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