Brake maintenance is a very important but often overlooked part of car maintenance. Because the various components of a car's braking system tend to have a long lifespan, it can be easy to forget about them. Sooner or later, however, your brakes will be needing repair.
Here are six ways to tell if you should be getting your brakes checked out:
The dashboard lets you know Some vehicles have an indicator light on their dashboard to warn drivers when something has gone wrong with the braking system. If your light comes on, you should get it checked out.
The brake pads look worn down Brake pads last for a long time, but after tens of thousands of kilometres they will start looking thin. Brake pads need to be replaced once they've been worn down.
The brakes grind or screech when applied If you hear a grinding, clicking, or screeching sound when you apply the brakes, then it likely means that your brake pads and possibly even your rotors need replacing.
The brake pedals grabs or vibrates Also known as "pulsating," when the brake pedal feels as if it is grabbing or vibrating under your foot it is often due to either worn or warped brake pads.
The car pulls to one side when you brake A vehicle pulling to one side usually means that the wheels are out of alignment. However, when the pulling happens particularly during braking, then this could indicate a problem with your brake pads or brake fluid.
The brakes have a slower response time Finally, if you notice that your car is taking longer to slow down than it used to after applying the brakes, then this is a clear indicator that it's time to get your braking system checked out.
Professional and Experienced Brake Repair in Calgary
Properly working brakes are a must for keeping yourself and your passengers safe. If you experience one of more of the above warning signs, then it is time to get them looked at by the Calgary brake repair specialists at Brake Check. Stop by one of our three locations in the city and we can make sure that all of the components of your car's braking system are working as they should be.