Brakes are absolutely vital to your car’s operation. Without them, you can’t stop your vehicle, and if you can’t stop, then you’ll definitely get into an accident.
Before your brakes fail, let’s take a look at some common brake problems and what they might mean for your vehicle.
Squealing Brakes
Though certainly alarming, squealing brakes are one of the simpler brake problems you might face. Usually, squealing brakes indicate worn brake pads, which certainly need your attention, but are no cause for panic.
Grinding Sound When Brakes are Applied
A grinding sound within your vehicle is often caused by metal grinding against metal. In the case of your brakes, a grinding sound could occur if you’ve neglected replacing your brake pads.
A grinding sound could also come from a loose rock or some gravel trapped within one of your caliper units. Though this is an easily solved problem, head over to a mechanic to be sure.
Steering Wheel Shaking When Braking
Within your brake system are components called “rotors.” When the rotors have any hint of unevenness, or when they aren’t aligned properly, wobbling is likely to occur. Though the problem may not seem dire, leaving the problem to persist can cost you the rotors entirely.
High Spots On Your Rotors: If you notice a pulsating brake pedal or abnormal wear on your brake pads or rotors, then there could be high spots on your rotors. In the event that the rotors are already worn down, they will need to be replaced, though resurfacing can work if caught early enough.
Warped Rotors: This can also lead to a pulsating brake pedal. Similarly, if corrected early enough, resurfacing can fix this problem. Replacement may be necessary if not.
Soft Brake Pedal
When you press on the brake pedal, you shouldn’t have to go too far before your vehicle starts to slow. If you press on the pedal and you find you need to press all the way down to the floor with little to no resistance, you may have a serious problem. Moisture or water may have gotten into your braking system; this will require immediate intervention.
Burning Smell
A burning smell is almost never a good thing. In terms of your brakes, this could mean that your system is overheating. An overheated system is very unsafe and can result in major issues. Pull over and let your brakes cool, then get the problem checked out as soon as possible.
Looking for a Gaithersburg, MD Brake Service?
Hillmuth can help you! Whether you need your brakes repaired or you just need a check-up, bring your car into one of our shops and you can drive away confident. Contact us today to set up an appointment or ask us any questions you may have.
