As all car owners will know, your brakes are incredibly important! You never know when you may need them. Therefore, it makes sense to always keep them in check. Here are our top 10 tips to help keep your brake system ticking over.
Are Your Brakes Smoking?Smoking brakes aren’t ever a good sign. If you’re seeing smoke rise up when you’re hitting the brakes, it may be a sign of fluid leakage or worn pads. You’ll need to get your brakes checked out the moment this occurs.
Is Your Vehicle Veering?If you're noticing that your car appears to be drifting to one side while braking, it's a sign a brake hose may be faulty. The moment you're seeing a pull or drift when braking, get your car checked out.
Are You Noticing Vibration?Vibration while braking is never normal. If you’re finding that your steering wheel or your car in general are shuddering when you apply the brakes, your rotors may be warping. This means that, if left untreated, your braking distance may be affected. Once again, it’s a good time to get checked out.
Are You Losing Grip?Losing grip while braking, too, is a sign that your rotors are warping and need inspection. A lack of grip while braking is never safe. Consider getting them checked out as soon as physically possible.
Is Fluid Leaking?Leaking brake fluid can also be a major concern. You’ll likely know if you have a leak when you have to press your brake pedal right to the floor. Puddles and drips, too, are tell-tale signs.
Are You Getting Brake Light Alerts?If you’re noticing your brake light pop up on your dashboard a lot, you should never ignore it. Some people feel that their brakes still work fine despite the signal. However, it may be alerting you to a problem which you will need to fix sooner rather than later.
Are You using Your Emergency Brake Sparingly?Always make sure you release the emergency brake whenever it is not required. Continuing to use the brake may cause your system in general to deteriorate. Squealing or heavy vehicle grinding may cause major damage to your car in the long run.
Are You Hearing Squealing a Lot?Some squeals and other noises are fairly common. However, if you’re constantly noticing squealing whenever you’re engaging your brakes, it’s high time you took a look at your brake pads. Get them replaced to avoid any potential accidents!
Noticing a Lot of Wear and Tear?Another reason behind brake wear as well as drifting can be related to your callipers. These help by holding your brake pads in place. If they’re sticking and not moving properly, your vehicle is going to suffer in the long run.
Does Stopping Take a Long Time?
Finally, always check for brake fade if stopping is taking a long time. This is, essentially, brake overheating – and over time, it can lead to serious system damage.
