How Would You Know If You Need New Car Brakes

Although car brakes are clearly an essential part of any vehicle, they are capable of going thousands of miles without a single glimpse, quietly working hard to stop us safely. Maybe that’s why it can be so easy to ignore them by going through our regular maintenance checklist.

Fortunately, there are several warning signs to watch and listen for to determine if it’s time to give your brake system a little love. Today, we’ll show you how to decipher the signals your brakes are giving you – read on! Read on to find out when to replace your brake pads, plus six warning signs that you need new brakes.

What Are Brake Pads And How Do They Work

In most modern automobiles, the front two wheels have a braking device that relies on what is known as rotors: metal discs found behind each wheel. On top of each of these is a clamp-like device called a caliper. When you hit your brake pedal, the calipers begin to close, squeezing the rotors on either side. This action creates friction, which causes the wheels to spin more slowly until they come to a complete stop.

Brake pads are removable surfaces that calipers use to make contact with the rotors during this process. These brake pads will not last forever. The friction mentioned earlier will inevitably reduce them over time. Let the brake pads get too thin, and your brakes won’t work as effectively as they should. For safety, it is imperative that you install new brake pads at the first sign of trouble.

7 Sign You Need New Breaks

Visible Wear-And-Tear

Another way to check the condition of your car brakes pads is a visual inspection. You can see them between the spokes of the wheel pressed against the metal rotor. If the pads are less than a quarter-inch thick, it’s time to have them inspected or replaced.

Screaming Despite New Pads

A loud squeak or other loud noise coming from your brakes doesn’t always mean you need new brake pads. Sometimes this means your rotors are glazed, which is caused by excessive braking that overheats and burns the metal. If you see a dark ring or blue markings on the rotors, you will need to replace them. And going forward, it’s not a good idea to regularly slam on the car brakes at high speeds – it not only burns out the rotors, but it can warp them as well.

Grinding

So what if you don’t change your brake pads after screaming for a while? If the pads are not replaced and allowed to wear out, you may hear a more ominous grinding or creasing sound like rough metal scraping against the metal. It seems because that’s exactly what is happening. After a certain point, the pad will wear out completely, and the metal caliper begins to scrape against the rotor disc.

When your brakes start grinding and aggravating, it usually means that service is needed immediately. If allowed to continue for any length of time, the caliper will round and score the disc, compromising its ability to function and ruining it completely. In addition to replacing the pads, you’ll probably need to refinish, or “turn over”, the rotors, and possibly even replace them.

Uneven Wear

If you notice that your vehicle turns right or left when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that some car brakes are working better than others and that they have worn out unevenly. Drifting or pulling while braking can also be a sign of a brake fluid problem. Either way, it’s a good idea to have an experienced mechanic examine the car for further diagnosis.

Vibration

In case of a problem with your car’s braking unit, you may feel a vibration or pulsation through the car brakes pedal. Vibrations usually result from misalignment of your vehicle or deformed rotors.

Visible Damage

You can get a quick visual inspection of brake pad thickness through your car’s wheel spokes. Any amount of less than a quarter-inch thickness indicates a need to replace brake pads.

Driveway Fluid Pool

Puddles can also develop from leaking brake fluid while your car is parked. If this appears to be the case, seek professional expertise for troubleshooting and correction.

Pull aside

Brake fluid problems, such as the presence of a foreign particle, or uneven wear of the brake linings can result in the car pulling to one side every time you press the brakes.

Change your brakes at Jai Prakash Automobiles

Can’t catch a break? Let Jai Prakash Automobiles do the job of repairing your car. Our highly qualified technicians are ready to provide a range of services from brake replacement to an oil change for new or pre-owned vehicle buyers. Check out the services we offer call us at 8272922700.

8272922700 talk to our technician about your problem. We look forward to meeting you!