Brakes are an important part of your vehicle and play a great role in giving you a smooth driving experience on the road. If they are not working properly, things will get dangerous when you are driving often leading to unsafe or fatal situations.
To avoid improper functioning of brakes, you need to maintain your vehicle regularly when professional mechanics check the competence of each integral part. However, you can also know if there’s something wrong with your brakes.
By taking note of the common signs of brake problems, you can understand if they are working properly or not in your vehicle. Let’s have a look:
- Brake Lights are on
Fortunately, there is a light on your dash that blinks when there is something wrong with your brakes. It’s the fastest and easiest way to know about the condition of your brakes. Also, modern vehicles come with two lights – one for the Antilock Braking System (ABS) and another for the brake system warning light.
When you notice the light turning on even when the parking brake isn’t engaged, then it’s time to take your vehicle to a brake specialist. You can get a full diagnosis of your ABS issues or any other problems associated with it. - Unusual Noises
Another great way to know about faulty brakes is if you hear a squealing or high-pitched metallic noise. It means that the brake pads or worn out and replacing them will usually solve the issue. However, it’s better to take your vehicle to a mechanic to learn if the issue is with worn-out brake pads or any underlying issue. Sometimes, heavy wear and tear will lead to damaged rotors and expensive brake repairs.
Besides squealing noise, if you hear a grinding noise, then understand that brake pads are worn down completely. So contact a specialist as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your braking system. - Noticeable Vibration
When you steer the vehicle, it should be smooth without any vibrations. But if your vehicle has faulty brakes, then you can feel shaking steering and vibration. It is caused due to the warped or uneven rotors which interfere with your braking system. When this is the issue, you may have to resurface or replace the rotor. A brake specialist will guide you properly and give the right suggestions. - Leaking Fluids
When you notice a fluid leaking near the front-end tyres, then you may need to replace the master cylinder. It’s where the brake fluid presents and the power for your braking comes from the hydraulic pressure created between the cylinder and brake lines.
When fluid is leaking, you won’t be able to stop the vehicle as fast as you want. So, it’s essential to get the issue resolved before it can become dangerous for you while you are driving. - Spongy or Soft Brake Pedals
When you apply brakes, the feel should be firm, however, if you feel a spongy or soft pedal, it means that the pedal is pushing all the way down the floor. It won’t efficiently stop the vehicle as you intend to leading to risky situations on the road. When you experience soft or spongy brakes, then your vehicle needs immediate attention so that you are ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road. - Burnt Smell
When you experience a burnt smell, then it means your vehicle has overheated brakes or clutch. If you continue to drive with the overheated parts, it will lead to the failure of the braking system and you won’t be able to stop the vehicle in emergencies. Immediately stop the vehicle and inspect your brakes if you notice a burnt smell while you are on the road. - Car Pulling to One Side
If you feel the car is pulling to one side even though you are driving straight, it means your car has got a faulty brake calliper or brake hose. It puts uneven pressure on one side.
Final thoughts
When you drive the vehicle, each integral part - from the engine to the tyres and brakes should work properly so that you can have a smooth driving experience. You need to observe any faulty issues in your car and get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent dangerous situations on the road.
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