Signs Your Brakes Should Be Checked Out
Posted on: 6 July 2016
It comes as no surprise that it is a good idea to get your brakes checked regularly. Faulty brakes can cause damage to your car and even the possibility of injury or death. But many people don't know what the signs are that brakes that need to be checked or replaced. The following are a few good indicators that it is time to take your car into a local mechanic.
Worn Brake Pads
We've all heard the term brake pads and most people know that you don't want them to be too thin. The thinner they get, the less effective they are when slowing and stopping your car. But where are the pads and how do you check them? In order to find the brake pads, you will want to look between the spokes of your wheel and find the shiny rotor. A rotor is the disc that the calipers (padded clamps) squeeze down on causing your car to stop. Once you've spotted the metal rotor you can look around the edges to see the caliper. The brake pad is between these two pieces. The pads should be about a quarter of an inch thick. You won't be able to get an exact measurement but if you can tell they are worn down to less than a quarter inch it is time to change them. It is also a good idea to inspect the rotor and make sure it is nice and smooth. If you can't see these through the spokes, you will have to take the tire off.
Unusual sounds
High pitched squeals are a good indication that it is time to get your brake pads changed. While this sound is loud enough to be heard with the windows rolled up, it will be hard to hear if the radio is blasting at full volume. So it is always a good idea to take some drives without music. Another ominous sound is harsh grinding. This means that you have completely worn through your brake pad and the caliper is now rubbing directly onto the rotor. If you choose to ignore the sound, you could end up with a more costly repair of having to fix a rotor, rather than just replacing the brake pads.
Vibrations
If your car vibrates when you have the brake pressed this could be an indicator of warped rotors. Their uneven surfaces will cause the brake pads to send vibrations through the pedal. Warped rotors usually only occur under extreme stress to the car, like frequently braking when towing something heavy or driving down steep mountainsides.
If you are unsure if your car should be checked out or not, it is always better to error on the side of being too cautious. Having brakes checked regularly can be a life saver. Contact a business, such as George's Eastside Shell, for more information.
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