5 Signs You Need Brake Repair
Squealing or Grinding Noises When Braking
One of the most common signs that you need brake repair is the presence of squealing or grinding noises when you apply the brakes. If you hear this noise, it’s likely that your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. The grinding noise is a result of metal-on-metal contact between the brake pads and rotors. This type of contact can cause damage to the rotors, which can be expensive to repair. If you hear these noises, it’s important to take your car to a professional for brake repair as soon as possible.
Vibrations or Pulsations When Braking
Another sign that you need brake repair is if you feel vibrations or pulsations when you apply the brakes. This can be a sign of warped rotors, which are a result of excessive heat buildup from braking. The vibration you feel is the result of the warped rotors not making full contact with the brake pads, causing an uneven stopping force. This can make braking less effective and increase your stopping distance, putting you and others at risk.
Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal
If you have a soft or spongy brake pedal, it’s a sign that there is a problem with your brake system. This could be caused by a variety of factors, such as a leak in the brake lines, air in the brake fluid, or a problem with the brake calipers. If you have a soft brake pedal, it’s important to have your brakes inspected by a professional to determine the cause and make the necessary repairs.
Brake Warning Light is Illuminated
Another sign that you need brake repair is if your brake warning light is illuminated on your dashboard. This light is designed to alert you to any issues with your brake system. If the light comes on, it’s important to have your brakes inspected as soon as possible to determine the cause and make the necessary repairs.
Poor Braking Performance
If you notice a decline in your braking performance, such as longer stopping distances or difficulty stopping, it’s a sign that you need brake repair. This could be caused by worn brake pads, worn rotors, or other issues with the brake system. If you notice a decline in your braking performance, it’s important to have your brakes inspected by a professional to determine the cause and make the necessary repairs.
How to Avoid Costly Brake Problems
In addition to being aware of the signs that you need brake repair, there are several things you can do to avoid costly brake problems. Here are a few tips:
Get Regular Brake Inspections
One of the best ways to avoid costly brake problems is to get regular brake inspections. A professional brake inspection will allow a mechanic to check your brake pads, rotors, and other components to ensure they are in good condition. Regular brake inspections can help you catch any problems before they become bigger and more expensive to repair.
Drive Safely and Responsibly
Another way to avoid costly brake problems is to drive safely and responsibly. Excessive braking, such as rapid braking or hard braking, can put a lot of stress on your brake system and cause it to wear out more quickly. Additionally, excessive speed, tailgating, and aggressive driving can increase your risk of an accident, putting more stress on your brakes.
Use Quality Brake Parts
When you do need brake repair, it’s important to use quality brake parts. Cheaper, aftermarket brake parts may seem like a good deal, but they often don’t meet the same quality standards as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Using quality brake parts will ensure that your brake system is working correctly and will last longer.
Keep Your Car Maintained
Finally, keeping your car maintained is important for avoiding costly brake problems. Tire rotations and other routine maintenance tasks can help ensure that your car is running smoothly and that your brake system is working correctly. Rotating your tires regularly helps ensure even wear on all four tires, which can help prevent excessive wear on one tire and improve your car's handling and stability. When your tires wear unevenly, it can affect your car's braking performance, as well as its overall road worthiness. In addition, properly inflated and rotated tires can help extend the life of your brakes, as well as improve fuel efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Regular brake inspections, safe driving habits, quality brake parts, and routine maintenance can help you avoid costly brake problems. If you notice any of the signs that you need brake repair, don’t hesitate to take your car to a professional. At TuneTech Automotive, our team of skilled technicians, led by Ken, provides personalized service to help keep your car running smoothly. If you’re in need of brake repair, call us at (303) 327-9176 today to schedule an appointment.