Keeping your car's brakes functional makes a big difference in your driving safety. These critical safety features should perform optimally at all times. Unfortunately, some car owners fail to notice the signs of faulty brakes in time. Worn-out brake pads are the usual suspects in faulty brakes. But they are only one unit in the complex braking mechanism. There are other components that can become faulty as well. What are common signs that you need brake repair or replacement?
1. Stopping Completely Takes Longer
Does the car go an extra length than usual after braking before coming to a halt? This sign is more noticeable in a traffic jam where you are doing frequent starts and stops. You might have near misses as the car stops at a longer distance than your estimate. This sign should prompt you to do emergency brake repair to avoid total failure.
2. Car Steers to One Side Unaided
Brakes in cars with proper wheel alignment wear off at the same rate. When wheel alignment is off, brakes on one side wear off faster than the other. You will notice that the car drifts in one direction when you let go of the steering wheel. You need brake replacement, including wheel alignment.
3. Unusual Noises Coming From the Wheel Wells
Is there an unusual noise coming from the wheels? Brakes come with warning 'shims' to give out warning sounds when brake pads wear out to a certain level. These 'shims' are exposed and grind against the brake rotor to make warning noises. A clicking noise is a sign of loose brakes which means it's time to replace the brake pads.
4. Unusual Vibration in the Brake Pedal
Brake rotor glazing happens when the brake pads' adhesive makes bumps on the surface. The uneven surface of the brake rotor causes vibrations felt in the brake pedal. You need to replace the brake pads and smooth out the rotor surface to stop the vibration in the pedal.
You will sometimes feel a smell like burning plastic coming from the brakes. This smell is normal when you are going down a very steep incline because the brakes overheat. But if you feel it during normal driving, you need the brakes checked.
Functional brakes are crucial to safe driving. It is crucial to have your brakes checked and replaced if you notice one or a combination of these signs. It is key to keeping you and other road users safe. For more information about brake replacement, visit a website like http://www.autoservicefairfax.com.
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