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So, your car is running like a dream, you have no complaints whatsoever, and all is good. This certainly doesn’t seem like a time to be making an appointment to get your car serviced. Here’s the thing, though; just because your car seems to be running well, this doesn’t mean there isn’t any trouble brewing that you aren’t aware of. Brake inspections are one of those things that you should be doing on a regular basis no matter how new or old your car may be.
Catching Problems Early
Brake inspections are all about catching problems early so that they don’t cause secondary damage. Experts recommend that a brake inspection be done about every 10,000 miles. For example, if you ignore brake pads that are starting to go, this will start to wear down other components in the car. In the end, you’ll be left with damage that can be in the thousands of dollars to repair.
Typically, once your brakes start to go you will have warning signs, but if you’re not listening or watching for them, you risk your brakes failing on your car. This is obviously dangerous to you and all the other drivers on the road.
Warning Signs to Listen and Feel For
Even with regular brake inspections, your brakes can still start to go in between inspections. This is exactly why it’s important to be aware of the warning signs to listen and feel for. The clearest sign it’s time to get your car looked at is when the “check brakes” light appears on your dash. Obviously, this is a clear signal, but it shouldn’t be the one and only sign you look for.
Another warning sign is a high-pitched squealing sound when you apply pressure to the brakes. This sound will be loud enough that you’ll clearly hear it even when your windows are rolled up.
Brakes can also make a grinding sound. If this is happening, there’s a good chance the metal on the rotors is grinding against the metal on the calipers. This means you’ve gone through your brake pads and there is nothing left. This is where you can start to cause some really serious and expensive damage to your vehicle. It’s also important to point out that your brakes can no longer be trusted to be effective if it’s just metal grinding against metal.
Sometimes, it’s not about how your car sounds rather it’s how the car handles. If you are noticing it pulling to one side or another, this can be a sign your brakes are going. It could be that there is uneven wear on the brake pads too.
Other signs to watch for include a vibrating sensation when you use the brakes, or it taking your car longer to come to a full stop.
When in Doubt, Get the Car Looked At
Brakes aren’t something you want to take chances on, which is exactly why regular inspections are recommended. Should you experience any of the warning signs or you are in doubt about how well they are functioning, it’s best to visit a trained mechanic, such as what you’ll find at M45 Automotive, and get them inspected.
