Slow Your Roll! How to Know When to Replace Your Brakes

“SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” No, that’s not meant to be the sound of a fire alarm or an extremely annoyed owl. That, friends, is the sound of brakes that need to be replaced. While it’s easy to forget about them, the brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, and keeping them maintained is vital to your safety on the road! 

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until your brakes are totally worn down before you know there’s a problem. (In fact, please don’t do that!) We’re teaching you how to know when to replace your brakes by paying attention to these 3 telltale signs. 

The Sad Song of the Worn Out Brakes

As mentioned above, if you hear a loud, high pitched shriek when you pump the brakes, you may have a problem (but don’t panic). Your wheels are designed with an indicator that will make a loud noise when your brakes are starting to go. The sound is caused by the indicator (a small metal shim) coming into contact with the rotors, and the purpose is to alert you that you need to examine your brakes. Of course, sometimes there are other clues that your brakes may be on their last legs. 

Watch Out for Changes in Handling

Your car may also be warning you of fading brakes if you notice changes in the way it handles on the road. For instance, if your brakes are suddenly less responsive than normal, or if you feel like the pedal is sinking to the floor, you need to do some investigating. You could have a brake fluid leak or an air leak in the brake hose. 

You should also be wary of “pulling” – when you feel like your car wants to pull to one side or the other. This can be caused by a number of factors, including contaminants in the brake fluid or unevenly worn-down brake pads. 

Not-So-Good Vibrations

Another common sign that you need to replace your brakes is when you feel a vibration coming from the brake pedal. This is generally caused by warped rotors or when your car is out of alignment. The vibration you feel is the brake pads not being able to adequately grab the surface of the rotor. Often a result of driving down steep inclines or towing heavy loads, if you do feel these vibrations when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged, you may need to make regular stops to allow the brakes to cool off from the excessive friction and heat. Not doing so will further warp your rotors. 

If you do need to replace your brakes, don’t worry. We have the used auto parts you need to keep your car running smoothly without breaking the bank! Contact us if you have any questions; our friendly team is here to help you with all of your DIY car repair needs.