In your driving experience, you probably really don’t think about your brakes that often. Driving at top speeds with a clear road ahead of you can be one of the best feelings in the world. However, if your brakes are not working in perfect condition, it could mar your experience in the most devastating way possible.
There are obvious warning signs as to when you should have your brakes checked by a professional like when the brake light on your dashboard comes on or when you begin to get the feeling that your takes longer to stop. Notwithstanding, there are some checks that you can perform yourself before giving it out.
There are two main ways to check for wear on your brakes and they are by looking and by listening. Your brake pads are located in the spaces between your wheel’s spokes. Before you begin inspecting your brake pads, you should make sure they have reached a cool enough temperature to touch them. You should wait a bit after driving to do this. Another thing you should always check is your brake fluid. If the level is low or the fluid has become especially dark, you should top it off with some new fluid.
Just up against an iron rotor is where you’ll find your outside pad. The pad should be at ¼ inches. If you notice that it is less than ¼ inches, the pad may be due for replacement. You should have it checked by a professional.
After a good period of use, it is normal for your brake pads to begin to carry some dust. If you notice that it does not hold dust anymore, it may be time for a proper inspection.
High-pitched noises
Your brake system has a small metal indicator that helps notify you when you brakes are beginning to wear. When there is noticeable wear on your brakes, this indicator will begin to make loud squealing noises, loud enough to hear while you are driving and your windows are rolled up. When you begin to hear these sounds regularly, it’s probably a good time to make an appointment with your mechanic.
A wonky brake pedal
Another indicator of a fault in your brake system is a wonky brake pedal. This could show up in two forms. It could be that you have to step on the pedal all the way down before it begins to respond. This could mean there that there is a problem with your hydraulic system. Your brake fluid could be leaking or there could be a gathering of air in your brake line.
Grinding and Vibration
You could begin to hear loud grinding noises when your pads are completely worn out. This is an indicator that your calliper and rotor are rubbing together. This could end up scratching your rotors.
Also if your vehicle begins to vibrate whenever you apply your brakes, your rotors may have become warped. This would produce tremor-like vibrations even when you’re driving at low speeds. Ultimately, the surfaces or your rotors may be seriously worn. At this point, you should call your mechanic for an inspection.
