Signs You Need to Check Your Brakes Soon

The brake system is one of the top safety features in your car. When it’s working properly, you keep everyone on the road safer by being able to respond to any surprises. This is why it’s important to know the signs of a failing brake system.

Noticing the signs of worn brakes is key to helping you drive safely. This way, you can minimize the damage to your car and keep potential accidents at bay. Consider the following six signs that you may need to check your brakes for problems and have your vehicle seen by our service department right away.

Worn Pads

The only way you can visually inspect your brakes without professional help or a car lift is to check the brake pads. They can indicate how much wear your brakes are experiencing. You can see your brake pads behind the holes of your wheel. Use a flashlight to inspect the brake pad and discover the thickness of each pad behind your tires. Thinner pads indicate more wear, which means you may need to replace them soon. The thinner the pads are, the more likely you are to have a problem with your brakes.

It’s also helpful to notice if each of your brake pads have the same amount of wear. This can help you identify if your brakes are wearing evenly or not. If not, that also indicates an issue within your brake system and how it’s working.

Vibrations When Using the Brakes

Another sign that you need to check your brakes is vibrations. If you feel any sort of vibrating or jerking when you apply the brakes, that’s a sign that you may need to check the brakes. Typically, feeling vibrating while applying brakes means that your vehicle’s rotors are warped. Rotors are circular discs that connect to your vehicle’s wheels. These discs help build friction, which brings your vehicle to a stop.

Wear on your rotors can affect their ability to cause friction and bring your car to a smooth stop. This can occur if your car has been under some serious stress, like traveling up and down mountainsides or hauling trailers or other vehicles.

Unusual Noises

If you hear unusual noises when you use your brakes or reverse your car, you should check your brakes. You might hear sounds like grinding, screeching, or squealing. Each sound could have different implications for your vehicle. For example, squealing may indicate that your brake pads are too thin. A grinding noise can indicate that your brake pads are nearly nonexistent, forcing your calipers and rotors to grind together. This can damage each part and also affect your vehicle’s ability to stop.

Reduced Braking Power

When you’re pushing down on the brake pedal, how does it feel? How fast does your car respond to you hitting the brakes? If your brake pedal sinks toward the floor after you tap it, this can be a sign of a problem. Similarly, if you have to apply more force on the pedal to get your brakes to work, this is also a sign of a problem.

If your brake pedal sinks to the floor, it can indicate a hydraulics problem or a leak in your brake line. This may mean that your brakes aren’t receiving the lubrication they need to work properly. If using your brakes requires excessive force, this may indicate that there’s an obstruction in your brake line. It could also mean there’s an issue with the car’s vacuum systems, which helps the engine and gas tank system run effectively.

Signs of Fluid Leaks

When your vehicle is parked, check to ensure there isn’t any fluid pooling under it. If you notice any pools of liquid under your car, it’s important to inspect them. During warmer months, some water from the air conditioning in your car may pool under it, but that’s usually not too much and wouldn’t look very concerning. However, if you see an oil-like substance, that can indicate a problem with your brakes, as it could be your brake fluid. Brake fluid resembles car oil.

Even if it’s not your brake fluid, it’s still a good idea to schedule a maintenance appointment if your vehicle is leaking any unknown fluids.

Pulling to the Side

Pay attention to the way your vehicle reacts when you apply the brakes. If your car pulls to the right or left as you push the brakes, this is a sign of a brake system issue. This pulling could be the result of a few brake system faults. It could indicate that one caliper is stuck, leaving only one side of the vehicle with a functioning brake system. You could also have a collapsed brake hose that’s causing this problem.

But keep in mind that your brakes aren’t the only reason this issue may occur. If you feel that your car is pulling to one side at any time, it’s a good idea to get it inspected for any damage.

What Can You Do When You Notice These Signs?

If you notice any of these signs that your brakes might be in trouble, you should schedule a service appointment right away. At Mercedes-Benz of Tyler, we offer full-service assistance and can help you identify the problem with your brake system and get you safely back on the road.

A trained professional can look at your vehicle and determine exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it. Our team can save your car from further damage while also looking at any parts that may need repair or replacing. Contact us for an appointment and a professional opinion on what may be going on with your vehicle.

Brakes by Thomas Nes Myhre is licensed with CC BY 2.0