3 Signs Your Vehicle’s Brake System May Be Failing

Since the brake system of your vehicle is one of the most important systems of your car or truck, it is best to have the system inspected at the first sign of trouble. Here are a few indications that your vehicle's brake system may be failing:

When you press the brake pedal of your vehicle, the car does not immediately stop.

As the braking pressure in a vehicle declines, the efficiency of the system suffers. A driver may press the brake pedal to attempt an immediate stop, but the car may continue to travel several feet before coming to a position of rest. Not only is this unsafe. It is an indication that the brake system may eventually fail completely.

A decline in pressure can be due to a reduction in the amount of brake fluid in the system. The brake fluid is responsible for transferring braking pressure from the brake pedal to the actual brake pads of the vehicle.

In addition, inefficient braking may occur because too little pressure is being applied to the rotors of the vehicle by the brake pads. If the brake pads are excessively worn or if they apply too little pressure to a rotor, the vehicle will not stop as quickly as it should.

Loud squealing or screeching noises are heard when you press your brakes.

If you are hearing loud squeals and screeches when you apply your brakes, your braking system needs to be inspected. The brake pads have likely worn away, and the screeching noises may be caused by the metal backing of the pads rubbing against the metal rotors. The resulting noises are similar to fingernails on a chalkboard. In addition to the noise, the worn pads may be wearing deep grooves and notches into your rotors. These grooves must be smooth out by a mechanic in order to prevent the untimely wearing away of new brake pads that may be installed. If the grooves have become too deeply embedded into the metal of the rotors, new rotors may have to be installed.

Your steering wheel vibrates when you press your brakes.

Your steering column may receive vibrations as you apply the brakes. This is sometimes caused by warped or uneven rotors. As the brake pads press against the rotors, they encounter bumps that result in vibrations. If a warped rotor cannot be straightened, it will need to be replaced.

To have the brakes of your vehicle inspected, schedule an appointment with a mechanic in your area.


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