Your vehicle will need a brake job at one point or another. We all know instinctively, yet most drivers don’t do anything about it until they hear grinding, crunching, and squealing when they apply the brakes. The repairman will tell you that it’s time to have your brakes replaced, and many drivers will agree, but some might insist that their car is fine or want to know why it’s beeping at them. Here is how to tell if your vehicle’s brakes need to be replaced.
Squealing Noise From Brakes
If you’ve got your foot on the brake, and you’re at a stop, and you’re hearing squealing noises, it’s time to replace your brakes. But it’s not just the squealing during a stop that is the indication; it’s also the squealing noise when your car is moving. Acquire genuine brake replacements to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Grinding Noise From Brakes
If your car’s brakes are rubbing against the rotors or drums and you’re hearing a grinding, screeching sound or metal sound on metal, then it’s time to have those brakes replaced. This constant grinding or squealing noise is a sign of wear and tear, and while the noises might disappear during brief stops, they’ll reappear once you start moving again.
Sensation Of Vibration In The Steering Wheel Or The Pedals
That vibration in the brake pedal doesn’t necessarily mean that you need new brakes right away; it could be something as simple as a loose lug nut.
Failing Brakes
Many drivers will wait until their brake lights blink before even thinking about fixing them. Push your brakes one day and notice that you’re having trouble stopping or slowing down; it’s generally a safe bet that you’ll need new brakes in the near future.
Bad Smell From The Brakes
Over time, the brake fluid will get old, and the fluid will start to stink. This isn’t as bad as it sounds because the smell will become a familiar scent in your car; however, it’s time to have them replaced if you notice a foul smell from your brakes.
Brake Beeps
Your brake beep may or may not mean that you need new brakes. They can be from the wires or the calipers, but your brake lights are most likely giving you problems; this could be a problem with the wiring, alternator, or relays.
Brake Pads Appear Less Than A ¼ Inch Thick
Brake pads need to be replaced when they’re no longer 1/4-inch thick. When you look at them, and they’re thinner than that, it’s time to replace those brakes. This might sound like a lot, but most mechanics should be able to tell you how worn your brakes are just by taking a quick look at them.
Dull, Squeaky Sound From Brakes
You should know that brake squeaks are not normal. Ask anyone who has been driving a long time, and they’ll tell you that the only time you should hear your brakes making noises is when you first apply them. Once your car comes to a stop, the noises should also stop.
So if you hear grinding, squealing, or feel vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal, it’s time to get those brakes replaced. If you wait too long and your brakes are worn out, they won’t work properly when you need them most, which can mean a big accident.
