Understanding Automotive Brake Parts and Services

3 Signs It's Time For Brake Change Service

Out of all the safety features on your vehicle, the most important is probably your brakes. However, similar to other components on your vehicle, the brakes will not last forever. So, as a car owner, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the warning signs of brake failure—or at least the signs of your brakes starting to wear down. Here are three signs that it is time to head to an auto shop to have your brakes changed.

Sign #1: Grinding or Squealing

When it comes to the braking system as a whole, the brake pads will typically wear down first before anything else. The brake pads come equipped with wear indicators that are made of steel, which will alert drivers when the pads need replacing. These indicators alert drivers with a loud screeching sound when the driver applies pressure to the brakes, ensuring that the pads are replaced prior to damage occurring to the rotor. If you're experiencing grinding, it's an indication that the brake pad wear is severe and that the rotor itself has suffered damage.

Sign #2: Unresponsive Brake Pedal

If you notice that the brake pedal feels spongy or soft and you are needing to press down harder than normal in order to get the vehicle to stop, the brakes need to be inspected immediately. There is an assortment of issue that could be the culprit, including worn brake pads, moisture buildup in the braking system, or a problem with the master cylinder. It is important that the issue is fixed prior to taking the vehicle on the open road again.

Sign #3: Pulling to One Side or the Other

When you apply pressure to the brakes and your vehicle unexpectedly swerves to one side or the other of the road, it can very easily and quickly result in an accident. While pulling to one side while driving normally may often indicate alignment issues, pulling to one side while braking is often the result of a faulty brake hose or caliper-related issues. Unbalanced stopping can be incredibly dangerous and needs to be addressed by a brake professional as soon as possible to avoid a collision.

If you have noticed any of the aforementioned signs occurring with your braking system, it is important that you get in touch with a local auto brake change service to have your brakes inspected and potentially changed. Your brakes are too important to let go for too long, so don't procrastinate. 


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