The first line of defense and most important safety system in your car is a properly functioning and reliable brake system. Continue reading to learn 3 telltale signs that your brakes are in need of attention.
3 Signs Your Brakes Are in Need of Service
Grinding or Squeaking Noises
A few components of your braking system will audibly tell you when they need attention. Your brake pads are usually the most common cause of squeaking or grinding sounds when you brake.
When brake pads wear down, the protective rubber layer that causes the necessary friction to slow your car eventually wears away leaving only the metal backing plate which is why you hear the metal-to-metal contact. If these brake pads aren’t replaced soon, you’ll also have to replace the rotors as these will quickly become permanently damaged.
Vibrations When Braking
If your steering wheel shakes when braking, especially when traveling downhill or slowing from high speeds, there are a number of culprits that could be at play here. While it could certainly be your brakes, it could also be caused by your suspension or tires so it’s important to diagnose what the cause is early on.
If the brakes are responsible for the shaking, it could be due to a number of factors including warped brake calipers, worn brake pads, air trapped inside the brake lines, or out-of-round drum brakes.
Slow Brake Pedal Response
If your brakes are slow to respond, you are putting yourself and others in danger. A safe car needs reliable brakes so when your brakes don’t kick in the moment you need them, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Your brake system is considered a closed system. Once the brake pedal is pressed, the pressure within the system should immediately be applied to the wheel hubs to slow or stop the car. If there is a lag in the response, this means there could be a leak within the system that needs to be corrected and repaired.
Schedule a Brake Inspection in Upper Saddle River, NJ
Don’t put off scheduling your brake inspection and risk the safety of you and your passengers. Schedule a service appointment today at Jack Daniels Audi of Upper Saddle River. We provide a number of car services including brake inspections in Upper Saddle River, NJ. Give us a call today to learn more.