Did you know that faulty brakes cause over 20% of collisions?
Is there a secret world hidden behind the brake? Sometimes, drivers tend to ignore the signs of problems with their brakes.
Not taking these signs seriously could lead to undesirable consequences, such as a vehicle crash. If you start ignoring these problems, they can worsen, and you will be spending more money and suffering more effects.
What do you need to know about brake issues? Read on and find out.
1. On-Board Brake Light
The brake light is one of your vehicle’s most critical safety features. When this light comes on, it’s a sign that there’s an issue with your brakes that needs to be addressed immediately.
A brake light that remains on even when the brake pedal is not depressed. This could indicate a problem with the brake fluid level, the brake pads, or the brake rotors. If you notice this issue, it is best to have the car inspected by a mechanic to ensure that the brakes are in proper working order.
2. Spongy or Soft Brakes
If your brakes feel spongy or soft when you press down on the pedal, it is a sign of an issue with your brakes. It would be best if this usually happens when there is an issue with the brake pads, but it can also be a sign of a problem with the brake rotors. Don’t ignore this, as it could indicate that your brake pads are wearing thin or that there is air in your brake lines.
If you notice this sign, you should have your car brakes checked by a professional as soon as possible to ensure that they are safe and in good working condition.
3. Burning Smells
If you smell burning while driving, it’s a sign that your brakes are overheating. This is usually caused by heavy braking, but it can also be caused by a brake caliper sticking or by brake pads worn down.
Either way, it’s a problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, you could end up with a brake failure, which could be dangerous.
While burning odors usually signal an overheated engine, they can also suggest that the brake fluid in the calipers and cylinders has reached boiling point, especially if you’ve just done a lot of severe braking while driving down a steep hill. The burning smell will be solid and chemical if it’s a brake problem, distinguishing it from the smokier engine scent.
If you smell boiling brake fluid, you should pull over immediately. When the Fluidic is heated, brakes will no longer work because they can no longer efficiently convert kinetic energy into heat energy through friction – thus, locate a safe spot to pull over if you smell burning brakes.
4. Leaking Fluid
If you notice your car leaking fluid, it is essential to consider what fluid it is. Different fluids can indicate various brake issues. For example, transparent or slightly yellow brake fluid usually means a leak in the hydraulic system.
A more substantial leak could mean a failure in the master cylinder. Brown or black fluids usually indicate a problem with the brake pads or shoes worn down.
If your car is leaking brake fluid, it is essential to get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your brakes. When considering vehicle care, you may look at BMW Repair.
5. Vibration When Braking
When your brakes start to vibrate, it’s a sign that something is wrong, and you should take action immediately. Vibrating brakes can be caused by various issues, from worn pads to warped rotors.
If you notice a vibration when braking, it’s essential to check it out as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
6. Squeaking Noises
Both front disc brakes and rear drum brakes have a pad wear indicator that indicates when the caliper pads or brake shoes need to be replaced. When you hit the brakes, you emit a horrible metallic shriek. How does it accomplish this?
Ideally, it would be best to replace the brake pads every time your automobile is serviced. Driving with the places down low can damage the calipers and cylinders, which is a far more expensive fix.
If your brakes are making noise-squealing, grinding, or new sounds you’ve never heard before – it’s time to check them out. Usually, the first sign of brake trouble is a high-pitched squeal when you come to a stop.
If you ignore it, you could be in for more severe problems, like brake pads that are too worn to work properly or a brake system that’s leaking fluid. If your brakes make any strange noise, have them checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
7. Pulling to One Side During Braking
This typically indicates a problem with one of the front two brakes, such as a misaligned rotor or a fluid flow issue that causes one side of the brakes to apply more forcefully than the other.
Frequently, you may only notice this issue when braking hard, with the car acting normally at moderate speeds. It can also cause premature component wear and uneven wear of the brake pads. However, fixing it is still brilliant because a brake pull could cause an accident.
If you notice your vehicle pulling to the left or right when you brake, you should have your brakes checked as soon as possible. This can signify a sticking caliper, bad brake hoses, or low brake fluid levels.
Understanding Brake Issues
If you notice any of these signs of brake issues, don’t ignore them! Stay safe on the roads, and take care of your car! Ignoring brake problems can lead to accidents, and no one wants that.
For more tips on your vehicle, check out our blog.