American culture has a large focus on the freedom and excitement that comes from owning your own car, but that ownership does not come without responsibility. Keeping up with your vehicle's maintenance can be a challenging task, but it's an important one to complete. If you don't have a background in auto repair, it's important to gather as much information as possible.
Below, you'll find a guide to some signs that your brakes may be in need of repair. Your brake system is among the most crucial systems on your vehicle, and keeping it in top shape is vital to keeping you and your passengers safe. Recognizing these signs is an important first step in maintaining that safety.
Listen For Odd Noises
Your first line of defense in checking up on your brakes is your sense of hearing. If you ride in a car every day, you're used to the sounds it makes and you will likely instinctively know when something is wrong. High pitched screeching or squealing noises, along with strange, low rumbles, are often a sign that metal pieces are rubbing on each other that shouldn't be and your brakes need maintenance.
Trust Your Sense of Smell
Not only will you be used the sounds your car makes, you will likely be familiar with the smells as well. Sharp, acrid smells like burning rubber or chemicals are likely a sign that the heat and friction in your wheel well is abnormal, and when that happens, it is almost always because you need to have your brakes checked and repaired.
Measure Your Strength
Modern auto brake systems work through hydraulics; when you step on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is pushed through lines and causes the brake pads to grab the brake disc that is bolted to your wheels. If you find yourself having to apply stronger pressure to your brake pedal than usual in order to achieve the same amount of braking action, there may be a leak in your brake line or wear on your brake pads that requires immediate attention. Usually these fixes are simple, but they can compound if they are ignored.
Be Sensitive To New Feelings
Again, your comfort with your car will frequently tell you when something is wrong. If you notice strange vibrations in your pedals or steering wheel, or even other difficulty in moving the steering wheel, your brakes may be interfering with your steering. Bringing your vehicle in for service, at places such as Arringdale's Engine Rebuilding & Auto Repair, is the best way to head off those problems before they become serious.
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