Your car’s brakes are what allow you to stop when driving and are, therefore, a very important safety feature. Over time, the pads can wear down and need to be replaced. The brakes can also become less effective in general as they age. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of brake trouble, such as a squeaking noise when the brakes are applied, so that you can take action to fix the problem.
Your brakes are critical for safety, so it’s important to be aware of any signs of failing. By recognizing these signs early, you can avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Here are five warning signs to look out for:
1. Grinding Noise
If you notice a grinding noise coming from your brakes, it means the pads have worn down and are now grinding against the rotors. This can damage the rotors and cause the brake pads to fail prematurely. To avoid expensive repairs, have your brakes checked by a professional as soon as possible.
2. Vibrations
If you notice that your car is vibrating when you brake, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional. This is because it could be a sign of bad brakes. Vibrations when braking can range from being barely noticeable to feeling like your entire car is shaking, so it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.
3. Longer-Than-Usual Braking
If it’s taking your car longer than usual to come to a stop, even when you’re pressing down on the pedal all the way, you have a problem with your brakes that needs to be fixed by a professional. Not being able to stop quickly can easily cause an accident, so it’s something you should take care of as soon as possible.
4. Soft Brake Pedal
If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you press it, this is a sign of a problem with your braking system. When this happens, there is air in your brake line, which reduces the effectiveness of your brakes.
5. Veering to One Side When Braking
If you notice that your car starts veering to one side or the other when you use the brakes, that means it is time to get your wheels aligned. This is an important fix because it can lead to uneven wear on your tires and make driving more difficult and dangerous overall.
Why Brake Maintenance Is Important
If a car accident is caused by brake failure, the manufacturer of the brakes may be held responsible. If the brakes were defective or not correctly installed, the company may be held responsible for any resulting accidents.
If the brakes were not working properly and caused an accident, the person responsible for maintaining the brakes may be held liable. In some cases, the driver may also be held liable if it can be shown that they failed to properly maintain their car or check the brakes before driving. The party found to be at fault will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Conclusion
Every driver should be aware of several warning signs of imminent brake failure. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic immediately to check the brakes. Ignoring these warning signs could result in an accident or serious injury.
At Automed Car Care, our ASE-certified mechanics have knowledge and experience repairing brake systems of all make and models. If you suspect any issue with your brakes, bring your car to our specialists for quick and friendly service. Our auto repair service in Culver City, CA, uses the latest computer diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair your vehicle precisely. We will fully inspect the brake system to pinpoint the problem and provide you with an estimate of the required work. Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!
