Brakes are the top safety feature in a car, and we should never ignore the signs as they can lead to dangerous and even fatal accidents.
Since they’re one of the most active parts of the car, they wear and tear faster than other aspects.
The good news is that brakes usually give off signals when there is a problem developing.
By being aware of brake issues, you’ll know how to act when you experience them.
You’ll know when to go for a service and ask for professional help to keep your brakes in top shape.
Bad Rear Brakes Symptoms
Many signs point to , and all of them are noticeable.
Here are some of thbad brakese things you should look out for while driving:
Bouncing on a Sharp Brake
Your vehicle bouncing unusually on a sharp brake could be an indication of brake damage or shock absorber damage.
It could be harmless, but if it feels unusual, there might be something wrong. Better to have it checked out and be sure than to risk it and pay much more later.
Deeper Braking and Slower Response
One noticeable sign of brake wear is a difference in resistance when you step on the pedal. It may sink, meaning that you’ll have to put in more effort.
You might even notice that the car’s brake responds slower than usual, and it takes more effort to reach a stop. These symptoms may indicate moisture or air affecting the brake system.
It could also be a problem with the master cylinder. Either way, immediate service is the best option.
Power brakes should lead to a stop 1 to 3 inches from the floor, depending on your brake mechanism.
Wobbling and Vibration
A vibrating and wobbling sensation is an indication of many possible problems with the braking system.
You’ll feel it through the steering wheel when it’s a rotor problem.
Rotors are the areas where the brakes interact, leading to the slow down or stop. It wears down over time and develops flaws.
When getting brakes serviced, we smooth out the rotors for evenness.
The rotors need to remain under the manufacturer’s specifications, or they will cause problems with your brakes. The uneven rotor leads to the shaking and vibrating sensation.
It also causes more damage than necessary to the rest of the system. Other causes of wobbling include:
● The brake caliper failing to release
● A sticky piston that does not retract the brake pads
● Improper wheel lug nut placement
Brake Light Indicator On
When a red or yellow brake light flashes on your dashboard, it means the car has detected something wrong with the system.
It could be a problem with your parking brake, so make sure it is not engaged when you’re driving.
The brake light is a feature that has helped save many lives. The light means you need an inspection, so go for it as soon as possible.
Leaking Fluid
Like your wipers, the brakes contain fluid that adds hydraulic pressure, making it easy to stop the car.
If it leaks, the brakes lose power, leading to the brake pad lowering more than usual.
If you’re experiencing soft brakes and difficulty braking, then it might be a sign of a leak. Get a technician like us to check the system to look for any fluid problems.
Drifting and Burning
If your car drifts to one side when you brake, it’s time to have it checked.
The cause of the drifting could be a bad brake caliper or hose.
On most occasions, one caliper applies more pressure to the rest, resulting in unbalanced breaks.
Another sign is a burning chemical smell when you are hard braking. The smell is a sign of a clutch problem or overheated brakes.
If you find that a wheel has smoke, then stop immediately and wait for a technician.
Otherwise, stop for a bit and allow the breaks to cool before you go to a technician. If the brake fluid gets too hot, it could lead to a failure in the system.
Grinding Noise
A high-pitched grinding noise is a sign that the pads have nearly fully worn down.
Below the pads are a steel frame that makes contact with the rotor.
You should have a check-up before the car develops severe rotor damage, which requires replacement.
Rotor replacement is a more expensive ordeal than brake pad replacement.
Front and Rear Brake Replacement
Front brake pads typically wear out faster compared to rear pads.
Braking often occurs there as the car’s weight shifts to the front when it goes to stop.
The greater force going to the front brakes means that it takes more load than the rear.
Manufacturers also know this and prioritize the front to avoid the rear brakes from locking up.
Front or Rear?
A good way to test whether it’s your front or rear brakes having issues is to conduct a quick test:
1. While driving, slowly brake and listen out for noise.
2. Repeat this step, this time using your emergency brake.
3. If you hear a noise while braking normally, it’s likely that the issue is with your front brakes. If you hear a noise while using the emergency brake, then it’s the rear.
Despite that, when you’re going for a replacement, you should always replace all pads uniformly.
Even with more load at the front, the front brake’s design allows it to wear down at the same rate as the rear brake.
Having new brakes ensures that there aren’t any hidden problems that remain on one side. It also makes managing maintenance schedules easier.
Front brakes are a priority, but that doesn’t mean that you should neglect to replace all brake pads.
Driving with bad rear brakes can be just as dangerous as driving with bad front brakes.
The rear brakes act as a support for most braking to alleviate the force pushed upon the front brakes.
Brake Rotor Replacement
Brake rotors or discs are also an important part of the system.
Most of the time, when you have a repair, they only need resurfacing to shape them back to optimal function.
However, they need replacing if they become too thin, going below the recommended specifications.
Good rotors help each brake pad connect by providing friction.
Always Go for a Check-Up
If you ever encounter any signs of brake problems, we’re more than happy to check it out atNOLA Automotive Repairs. You’ll find that most of the time, you’ll need repairs or replacements.
Failure to recognize this puts you and your passengers at risk. It’s a fact that brakes wear down over time. A good brake repair or replacement can prevent any accident in the future.
We can help you fix the problem, leading to a better driving experience.
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NOLA Automotive Repairs has been serving New Orleans clients for nineteen years, making us one of the trusted auto repair shops in The Big Easy.
We offer a variety of services including engine repair, brake jobs, AC repair, and diagnostics.