Warning Signs by Your Brakes

Jan 2015

Most of us feel crippled if we don’t have our cars to run errands or maybe commute to work. Others still hate the idea of being stuck because the car broke down, or being involved in an accident because the brakes were not working. Since we are so dependent on our cars, it’s important that we pay attention to it and any signs it shows of requiring maintenance.

Noise

Is your car creating abnormal sounds? Some of the common ones including screeching, squealing, grinding, and rubbing would indicate that the car’s brake pads and shoes are worn out. The problem should be investigated and taken care of before other parts too are damaged. If it was from the rust on the brake rotors, the squeals would cease as soon as the rust is worn off; but if the disc and caliper have been rubbing together, the rotors would need to be “turned’ or perhaps replaced.

Vibration

Have you recently felt pulsation whenever you hold the steering wheel or when pressing the pedal? That’s a sign of danger and the longer you wait to address it, the more chance there is that your rotors are warped from the metal rubbing. Since severe braking for long time tends to cause it, you may want to stop from time to time and let the brakes cool off if you are driving in those conditions.

Light

The illuminating brake lights on the car’s dashboard are considered the most significant and a direct sign for that your vehicle needs to be inspected. It’s suggested that you stop driving and have your car towed to the Bosch Workshop for reliable diagnostics and quality repair.

Smell

What about the pungent burning smell that seems to be coming from your tires? That is certainly an unsafe condition, and driving any further with this symptom would mean compromising your braking system.

Pulling

If the vehicle seems to be pulling to a particular side every time you apply brakes, it’s hinting at the uneven wearing away of the brake linings. But that’s not usually the case because presence of foreign matter in the brake fluid too can cause the same. All it needs is to have the fluid drained and replaced, or for a brake adjustment before it’s good to go.
At Citton Cars, we sell vehicles that have undergone a DEKRA inspection in association with the AA. Vehicle brakes are often overlooked during regular maintenance. While factors like driving habits, vehicle type, operating conditions, and quality of brake lining material affect break wear, you can keep ahead of costly repairs, or worse, collisions by looking out for the signs to keep them functioning properly.