Brake issues, even minor brake issues, are a huge safety concern as you drive your car. It’s dangerous for you and it’s dangerous for the people on the road with you. Here’s what you need to know from Certified Auto Repair in order to recognize brake problems in your car.
You Spotted a Brake Fluid Leak
Your car’s brakes need brake fluid in order to work properly, so if you’re seeing brake fluid around the wheels or on the ground near your wheels, that’s a problem. Brake fluid gives your car’s mechanical brakes more power so that they’re able to stop more efficiently. A leak means that there’s not enough fluid and possibly that there’s air in the brake lines.
You’re Hearing Weird Brake Noises
When you press the brake pedal, you might occasionally hear some squeaks. If you’re hearing new sounds, though, like grinding sounds or squeals, that can mean that your brake pads are worn down. It can also mean that there are other issues, depending on what else you’re seeing with your brakes.
The Car Vibrates as You Brake
One obvious problem with your car’s brakes is that when you press the brake pedal, you instantly start to feel vibrations as the car slows down. This often happens because the rotors and the brake pads aren’t meeting squarely, either because of a warped rotor or some other issue. You might also experience pulling to one side during braking.
The Brakes Aren’t Responding
When you tap your car’s brake pedal, you expect that the car will at least slow down, right? So, what happens when you press that pedal and nothing happens at all? That’s a really bad sign and you shouldn’t drive anymore if you experience no response from the brake pedal.
There’s a Brake Dash Light On
Finally, you might see a light on your dashboard related to brakes. Typically that’s the same light that you’d see if your parking brake were engaged. So, if you’ve double checked that the parking brake is not on and you’re seeing the brake light, that means there’s a problem somewhere in your brake system.
Problems with your brakes? Don’t keep guessing. Get the answers you need at Certified Auto Repair in Henrico, VA. Call us today and set up an appointment for us to inspect your brake system thoroughly. We’ll determine what’s causing the problems so that you can get safely back on the road again as soon as possible.
