Is It Time for New Brakes?
Your Car’s Brakes Won’t Last Forever
Brake Maintenance Can Save You Money – And Your Life
Never ignore warning signs of brake failure.
We have to put a lot of faith in our brakes every time we get into our cars if you begin to notice anything out of the ordinary with your brake system it is crucial to have it inspected and repaired right away – failing to do so could result in an accident.
How Do I Know if There is a Problem with My Car’s Brakes?
Over the course of your car’s lifetime you will typically need to replace your brakes anywhere from 2-4 times (more or less, depending on your driving style and conditions). It can sometimes be hard to tell when it is time to replace the brake pads, however leaving them too long can result in a dangerous situation.
Your brakes will show various warning signs when they are in need of service or repair. You might notice the following:
- Longer distance required to stop your car
- Your brake pedal starts to feel spongy
- Your car starts pulling to one side when you are braking
- Your car shudders when braking
- You hear squealing, groaning, or grinding while braking
- Your brake light comes on
Pay Attention to How Your Brakes Feel
One of the clearest warning signs that you need new brakes is a change in how they feel. They may begin to feel soft and mushy, causing you to need to push down very hard to be able to brake. Alternatively, you may notice that your brakes start to feel overly sensitive, where only the lightest tap can result in very hard braking. Both of these changes in feel are an indication that something is wrong with your brakes, and could result in a serious failure.
Pay Attention to Dashboard Warning Lights
Warning lights on your dashboard are one of the first indicators that something is wrong with your car. If your brake light or ABS light has lit up then you may be low on brake fluid or have another brake malfunction and it may be time to visit a mechanic.
Pay Attention to Strange Sounds
Squealing noises are a sure sign that your brake pads need to be replaced soon. If you start to hear grinding noises, then this could mean that you have worn completely through your brake pads and the metal is grinding on the rotors. This is a very dangerous situation and will eventually lead to failure – not to mention a very costly repair. This is however avoidable as long as you change out your brake pads when you start to hear the squealing – so be sure to always pay attention to the noises your car is making!
Pay Attention to How You Drive
Your driving habits will affect how your brakes wear down over time.
If you are too heavy on your brakes – short stopping, hard stopping – you will quickly burn through your brake pads. If you are able to give yourself more time to brake and can brake softly your brakes will last much longer.
Regular Brake Maintenance with AAMCO Utah
Have your brakes checked often for peace of mind with the certified mechanics at AAMCO Utah. We are happy to check your brakes and perform any necessary maintenance. We suggest getting them inspected around every 5,000 miles, at your regular oil changes , or at the manufacturer’s specifications for your car.
Properly maintained brakes are an essential part of car safety, be sure that yours are not neglected. Have your brakes checked regularly at one of our ten AAMCO Utah locations – let AAMCO Utah get you where you need to go safely. From Provo to Logan, if you need brake repairs , transmission services , and more – contact your local service center or schedule an appointment online.
Schedule Now
The post Is It Time for New Brakes? first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
Share
