Your break may not be something that often crosses your mind; However, your vehicle’s brakes are probably one of the most important parts that should be in perfect working condition at all times.
Here are some warning signs that you require a new brake.
Look and Listen
There are two ways you can check brake wear on your disc brakes: by sight and by hearing. First, inspect for wear by visually looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the spokes of the wheel. The outer pad will be pressed against the metal rotor. In general, you should have at least ¼ inch of the pad on your brakes. If you see less than this, you may need to inspect or replace your brake pads.
Have you ever heard a screeching sound while applying brakes? This is caused by a small metal shim known as an indicator, which gives you an audible warning that you require to replace your brakes. This screeching sound is loud enough to hear, and you should know that if you hear it regularly, you should make an appointment with your mechanic quickly.
Decreased response or fading
If your brakes are not as responsive as before or the pedal starts to drop to the floor, it could mean that you have a leak in your braking system. It can be either an air leak or a brake fluid leak. A clear sign of a brake fluid leak is that it leaves a small puddle of fluid when your vehicle is parked. Brake fluid resembles fresh motor oil, but has a less slimy texture.
Drag
If your vehicle starts to pull to one side when applying the brakes, it could mean that your brake linings are worn unevenly or that there is some foreign substance in your brake fluid. Your vehicle may require either a brake adjustment or a complete drain and replacement of the fluid.
Grinding
Hearing metallic screeching means you’ve worn out your brake pads; Most likely, things are now beyond a simple replacement. The grinding or growling sound you hear is caused by the two pieces of metal (the disc and the caliper) rubbing against each other. This can then scratch your rotors, which creates an uneven surface. If this happens don’t be surprised if your rotors need to be turned or replaced.
Vibrations
Vibrating or throbbing brake pedals are usually symptoms of warped rotors. The vibration may feel similar to the reaction in the brake pedal when you suddenly stop a vehicle with anti-lock brakes.
Warped rotors are caused by severe braking over a long period of time, such as while driving or pulling down a steep hill. These conditions create an excessive amount of friction, which heats up the rotors and warps them. Vibration is felt because the brake pads do not grip the surface evenly. If you continue to drive like this, be sure to stop from time to time to let your brakes cool down.
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