Warning Signs of Unsafe Brakes
If your vehicle begins to emit unusual sounds, feels or odours, investigate the problem as soon as possible rather than waiting for the problem to worsen. Waiting will just result in more costly parts wearing out and needing to be replaced. Brake repair Derby is an important aspect of vehicle servicing. When you look after your brakes, they will look after you when you need them the utmost. Even with routine maintenance, your vehicle’s brake pads may need to be inspected and serviced by a specialist if you see one or more of the following brake problem warning signs.
The Brake Light Is on
When the brake alert light illuminates your dashboard, it’s one of the most obvious signs that your brakes are in want of repair. Most current vehicles feature two warning signals on the dashboard that can activate for a variety of reasons. The Anti-lock braking system (ABS) or the brake technology warning light are the two possibilities if you have a brake light on. If the vehicle’s dashboard displays an ABS warning signal, you should take it to a nearby dealer or service shop, as they are provided with the appropriate tools.
It’s not always the case that your brake sign illuminates when there’s a problem; it’s also the signal that illuminates on your dashboard when your brake pedal is engaged. For further information on the various reasons for the dashboard signal, consult the vehicle’s owner’s handbook.
Grinding Sounds
Is there a grinding noise coming from the brakes, and can you feel it in the motor? If you let your braking pads wear back past their life span, you’ll notice a metal-on-metal grinding noise, which signals your rotors are starting to wear down. This could be anything as simple as a stray stone lodged in the calliper, or it can be something more significant like old brake pads or corrosion around the brake parts or drum area of rear disc brakes. In any instance, it’s preferable to move the vehicle to a mechanic, who will be able to identify the issue more quickly and fix it for you.
Squealing Noise
You’re probably detecting the wear signs on your brake discs if you notice a rusty squealing noise when you press the brakes. A pad wear indicator is built into both frontal disc and back drum braking to let you know when the calliper pads or brake pads need to be replaced. How does it accomplish this? When you slam on the brakes, you let out a horrifying metallic shriek. While frustrating, it isn’t necessarily a symptom of damage, but simply that the brake pads need to be replaced. If you hear the sounds, don’t wait to replace your brake pads; waiting too long will result in broken rotors and a far more costly repair. The great news is that disc brakes are among the most cost-effective brake repairs available.
Vibrations
Vibration in the wheel or a wobbly impression when applying the brake pedal are two of the most typical brake problems. This occurs when the brake rotor misaligns with the wheel, enabling the wheels to track ‘off-kilter’ on the road. It could also be a symptom that the front brake callipers aren’t correctly releasing from the rotor when you raise your foot off the accelerator, possibly due to corrosion or debris build-up. While brake vibration shouldn’t have an impact on the system’s effectiveness, it’s something one should address as soon as possible. Vibrations could indicate a more significant underlying issue, resulting in early brake element wear and increased replacement costs.
Fluid Leak
When your brake fluid leaks, it’s usually a sign that your master cylinder has to be changed. Your brake fluid is stored in the master cylinder, and the hydraulic pressure formed between the cylinder and brake links provides all of your braking force. If you’re leaking fluid, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to stop your car as simply. Allow a brake specialist to check your fluid levels and braking elements to ensure you don’t lose all of your stopping power.
Burnt Smell
Burning smells normally signal an overworked engine, but they can also mean the braking fluid in the callipers and cylinders has surpassed boiling point, especially if you’ve just done quite a lot of severe braking while driving down a hill. If the problem is with the brakes, the smoking smell will be crisp and qualitatively distinct from the smokier scent from the engine. If you get a scent of burning brake fluid, pull over immediately. When the fluid is heated, brakes won’t operate because they can’t efficiently convert kinetic energy into thermal energy through friction – therefore pull over to the side of the road if you smell burning brakes.
Spongy Pedal
When you push the brake pedal, does it feel spongy? Or perhaps it goes all the way to the ground with less effort than usual? If this is the case, you may have a brake fluid leak. So because the brake system depends on pressurised fluid, a leak is disastrous and will result in the brakes failing to function properly. If the pedal seems spongy, you should have it checked out as soon as possible.
The master cylinder, brake lines, cylinders, and callipers are all likely areas for brake fluid to leak in the system. Since the lines are composed of reinforced plastics or steel, brake fluid leaks are significantly less likely than antifreeze leaks, although they can still occur. If you detect a leak, get to the garage right once or have somebody get to you.
One-side Car Pulling While Putting Brakes
It may be a bad brake hose or a calliper issue, while it can be triggered by any number of car difficulties. When this occurs with the front brakes, one brake may operate while the other does not. This generates a force in the way of the braking force-producing side. A single faulty rear calliper may go overlooked. Regularly inspect your brakes to catch these problems before they become an issue.
Conclusion
Brake failure is responsible for around 22% of all vehicle-related accidents, instead of driver fault. While driving carefully is half the battle, servicing your vehicle’s safety mechanisms, beginning with your brakes, is critical. If any of the aforementioned symptoms apply to you, it’s time to get your brakes inspected. MOT Derby offers unrivalled ease and cost-effective repairs, all of which are done by brake professionals with extensive experience.