Many drivers discover that their car has some kind of brake problem only because the dashboard brake warning light goes off. While this signal can indeed warn of an actual problem with the brakes themselves, it may simply mean that you’ve left your parking brake on or lose one of your brake light bulbs.
You should know what a brake problem looks, sounds, feels, and smells like if you want to identify and respond to such a problem in time to prevent a serious accident. Pay attention to the following four indicators that your brakes might need immediate attention from an experienced automotive service technician.
1. Strange Noises
Ailing or aging brakes often emit distress calls in the form of noise. In fact, manufacturers design brake pads to do just that. Disc brake pads have steel pieces known as wear indicators. As the pads wear down, the wear indicators make contact with the brake rotors. This metal-on-metal contact typically causes a squealing noise.
If your brake pads have already worn down past this early warning point, the brakes may actually start digging into the brake rotors. This degree of contact may create a grinding or scraping noise every time you apply your brakes. If you know you have new, fully-functional pads, a piece of grit may have gotten lodged in the works.
2. Rough Braking
Uneven or unusual braking behavior should always sound an alarm bell in your head. If your rotors have worn unevenly, for example, you may feel a shaky sensation when your brake, the result of the lumps in the rotor surface passing beneath the brake pads. The steering wheel may also vibrate or feel wobbly.
While rotor wear occurs with normal wear and tear over time, other problems can accelerate its progress. If you recently replaced a tire, for instance, you may not have tightened all of the lug nuts to the correct pressure. Even a slight imbalance can make that wheel’s rotor wear out prematurely, forcing its replacement.
3. Abnormal Pedal Response
Different models and types of vehicles naturally call for more or less brake pedal travel. If you’ve driven your car for any length of time, you’ve probably developed a good feel for how your brake pedal normally responds. If that response changes, you may have a brake system issue that requires immediate evaluation.
If your brake pedal feels spongy or slack, you may have low or contaminated brake fluid. If the brake fluid has air bubbles in it, the brake pedal may go all the way to the floor with little effect. A total lack of brake fluid pressure may also stem from a malfunctioning master cylinder.
Brake pedal travel can also feel stiffer than normal, another potential trouble signal. It may mean that you have a brake line blockage or vacuum leak in the system.
4. Pulling to One Side
If you notice your car pulling to one side as you brake, it usually means that the brake components on one wheel offer more resistance than those of the opposing wheel. This problem may occur when the caliper that applies the brake pads to the rotor gets sticky and fails to operate correctly.
A caliper may stick for a variety of reasons. The brake pads may not slide along the caliper grooves normally, the caliper bolts may sustain damage, or the caliper piston’s internal parts may rust. A damaged brake hose may also fail to circulate brake fluid evenly or consistently, preventing the caliper from relieving brake pad pressure.
If you encounter any of these trouble signs, bring your car to Powers Transmissions. In addition to fixing any brake problems that you may have developed, we can administer periodic inspections and maintenance procedures to help you keep your brake system in good condition. Contact us today.