7 Ways to Know that Your Brakes Are Going Bad

One of the most important parts on any vehicle is the brakes. The vast majority of drivers are not prepared to react properly if the brakes fail. New drivers should always be taught to drive as though their brakes are going to fail. This means avoid last minute braking and not driving too fast in hazardous zones. The reality is that the best thing you can do for your car is to keep the brakes well maintained. Learning the signs that your car brakes are going bad is the first step in this process.

Listen for the noises associated with worn or bad brakes.

Almost all cars are equipped with little devices attached to the brake pads that cause an obnoxious high pitched squeaking sound when it touches the rotor. Once contact is made, the noise will become a permanent part of your driving experience until you fix the brakes. This device will only make contact with the rotor if the brake pads have worn off about three quarters of their thickness. The idea here is to give you a warning in time for you to make an appointment for brake repair before damage is done to your braking system that will result in brake failure.

Grinding or scraping types of noise can be another indicator of brake issues.

Sometimes a small rock or bits of debris can get inside the brakes and cause these noises. The noises can also mean that something has moved and needs immediate attention. It is best not to assume the best and continue driving. A quick brake inspection will easily determine the cause of the noise.

Vibrations that only happen during braking indicate that something is wrong.

Often, the vibrations are caused by worn brake pads or shoes. However, they can also be generated when your rotors have become scarred or warped. A failing master cylinder can cause vibrations if it is not allowing smooth pressure to be applied to the braking system. Failures in the anti-skid braking mechanisms can also create shudders. A malfunctioning caliper could be the culprit. There are very few times when braking causes vibrations that it can be safely ignored.

A loping feeling when the brakes are applied at low speeds needs attention.

You will feel a rocking motion as you brake the car. It feels like you are pumping the brakes when you are actually applying steady pressure to the pedal. Worn pads can cause the problem, but it is usually a caliper or rotor issue. The brakes will probably not fail immediately from these problems, but the potential for failure is there. If you delay repairs too long, worse problems will occur.

Ineffective braking or the pedal going all of the way to the floor are sure signs that you need immediate brake repair.

Air in the brake lines will cause your pedal to go all of the way to the floor without slowing the car. Pumping the brakes a time or two rapidly will usually give you braking ability. This condition tends to happen when the master cylinder has been allowed to be drained of brake fluid and refilled without bleeding the brakes. This can happen from brake wear, or it can happen during brake repair. Either way, the air needs to be bled from the line to restore the integrity of the braking system. This repair should never be delayed.

Slow braking indicates a weakness in the braking system.

This can be caused by a failing master cylinder, bad brake calipers, or worn pads or shoes. This problem is corrected by repair, replacement, or adjustment of the offending parts. Slow stopping brakes should not be tolerated. This is a problem needing immediate repair.

Always inspect the area where you park your car for fluids leaking onto the surface.

Spots near the wheels or in unusual places under the car can indicated leaking brake fluid. Brake fluid is usually a clear slightly oily liquid. If you see signs that excessive grime is accumulating on your tires and wheels, it can be a sign that you have a fluid leak from the wheel cylinders. Never ignore a suspected brake fluid leak. You can often confirm the leak because the master cylinder will need frequent refilling.