3 Signs That Your Brakes Might Be Failing

Posted on: 20 May 2017

The brakes are so important to the functioning of your car. If the brakes start to give out, it can endanger everyone in the car, as well as anyone around it. This is why it is so important that you learn the warning signs that your brakes may be giving out so that you can fix the issue before it becomes a severe problem. Here are some things every driver should be looking for.

1. Grinding Noises While Braking

Well-working brakes should be almost silent when you press on them. Although you might hear little noises, you should never be hearing full grinding sounds. This could mean that the brakes are actually grinding against the tires and the tire rod. Overtime this grinding can damage the brakes to the point where the tires and the brakes no longer effectively meet and it will cause the brakes to give out.

It is also possible that the grinding could be caused from brake pads giving out. Luckily, this is an easy fix and not too expensive, but if you don't have brake pads they could damage the brakes. Thus, any grinding noise, even seemingly innocent, should be looked at by a mechanic.

2. Slow and Unresponsive Brakes

Anytime you press on the brakes they should immediately respond. Although they don't need to be super sensitive, they should respond right away and you shouldn't have to slam on the brakes. In addition, if you need to pump the brakes to get them to respond this could be a sign that the brakes are no longer working right. Once again this could be a simple fix, or it could mean that your brakes are at the end of their life and will need to be replaced to keep the car safe.

3. The Car Pulls To One Side

Lastly, if your car is pulling to one side while you brake, this is a problem. Usually this means that one side of the brakes has already given out. So the car is only operating with one good operating device. This is incredibly dangerous, since it is only a matter of time until the other brake gives out and you are unable to safely stop the car. Never ignore this problem. Take the car to a mechanic right away to have the problem looked at.

If you are aware of these signs you can protect your car and the safety of those driving in it. Talk with a company like Brake & Equipment Warehouse for more information.

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