Brakes

Maintaining the brakes is one of the most important safety features for any vehicle owner and is key to a vehicles upkeep for long term ownership. Unfortunately brake maintenance is often overlooked by drivers. Maintaining the cars brake system can help to prevent costly repairs in the long run, and can keep the car in the best form to avoid a collision.

In order to maintain a vehicles brake system, you must pay close attention to the condition your car’s brake pads. As a general rule, the more the vehicle owner drives, the more wear on the brake pads, and therefore the shorter the lifespan of the brakes.

Here are the 4 signs that help you identify when you need to replace you current brakes with new ones.

Sign 1: The Brake Pedal Is Vibrating

If when you press your foot down on the brake pad, and feel vibration or constant grabbing when you attempt to apply the brakes. This is commonly known as “pulsating brakes”. The vibration is typically caused by worn out brakes, or brake pads that are warped due to heat.

Sign 2: The Brakes Make a Clicking Noise

Another sign is when the brakes start making a clicking noise when the brakes are applied. All car manufacturers install a device that prevents brake pads from rattling upon depression of the brakes. When you hear a rattling or clicking noise upon depression of the brakes, this is an indicator that the pads need to be replaced with new brake pads.

Sign 3: The Brakes Make a Grinding Sound

When drivers hear a grinding or growling sound when the brake pedal is pressed then it is bad news, the brakes pads are not the only part that now needs replacing. The grinding or growling sound is usually caused by the brake disc and the brake caliper rubbing together, this is because the brake pad is completely worn down. You may now need to replace the brake discs

Sign 4: The Car is Pulling

When a car is pulling towards one side it could and often indicates that a driver needs the brake pads replacing.

If the vehicle is being pulled to one side without using the steering wheel when the car is under breaking, this indicates that the brake pads have worn unevenly and need replacing.