Brakes are a very important part of a car and their proper functioning is necessary to ensure on-road safety. A brake’s job is to stop the car or slow it down to the desired speed. A well-maintained and properly cared brake system can be instrumental in avoiding an accident. Brake servicing is one of the regular maintenance chores that can’t be ignored. Brake parts have a set lifespan and they need regular maintenance checks and necessary replacements to properly function.
Following is a list of warning signs that your vehicle gives if there are any brake problems. If you encounter any of them, get it checked by a professional to avoid any future inconvenience.
The Symptoms
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Brake lights: The brake lights on the dashboard (yellow or red) indicate brake problems and conveys when you should go for a check. It may also be the car’s electronic system alerting you of a problem. An engaged parking brake can also be the cause for the light so make sure that the brake is released completely.
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Unusual noises: If a high-pitched metallic squeal is heard, which stops when the brakes are applied, it indicates that the brake pads are wearing out. They are made of steel so the noise starts when they start contacting the rotor. A Brake Pad Replacement Manchester is required to avoid any rotor damage, as the latter is much more expensive to replace. A grinding sound may indicate that the rear drum brakes lack lubrication. If you hear any noise coming from the brakes get your car checked before the damage gets any severe.
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Vibration: The shaking of the steering wheel or vibrations when you apply brakes may be caused by several reasons. Firstly, it can be caused by the rotor’s surface becoming uneven. This can be repaired during brake maintenance or repair as the face of the rotor is smoothed out to fix any flaws during the process. Secondly, it can be caused if the brake caliper, which is responsible for slowing down the vehicle, is not releasing properly. Lastly, it could be due to damage caused to the brake parts from improper wheel lug nut installation.
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Leaking fluid: If you encounter a softer than usual brake pedal, then you must get the vehicle professionally checked for any fluid leaking from any of the brake components.
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Soft brake pedal: If it is noticed by you that the brake offers less resistance (as compared to earlier) or sinks all the way down to the floor of the car while pressed, it needs service and repair immediately.
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Unbalanced stopping: If on applying the brakes the car pulls to one side and stops this may indicate a problem with the brake hose or caliper.
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Burning smell: A sharp chemical odour arising after heavily braking on a steep road may be an indication of an overheated brake or clutch. In this case, you should park the vehicle at a safe place and wait for the brakes to cool down in order to avoid brake failure. If any smoke from the wheels is noticed, stop the car immediately as it is unsafe to continue driving without appropriate repairs.
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Rocking or bouncing: If you experience bouncing up and down with sharp braking, it may not be a brake problem but a problem with the shock absorbents and they may need replacement.
Regular brake servicing and timely repairs and replacements ensure the safety of you and your passengers and are very important as brakes wear out over time and may lead to fatal accidents if not taken care of in time. For a comprehensive and efficient brake repair service must visit M8 Tyres.
