Your car’s brake system is one of the most important elements to the safety of your driving. Brakes are integral to stopping your vehicle, so when they need servicing, it is vital that you do not delay. The last thing you want to happen is to have your stopping distance dramatically shortened or have your brakes fail altogether, so be sure you are aware of the indicators that might showcase that something is wrong.

No matter what kind of car you drive, your brakes will wear down and become less effective with time. Brakes rely on the friction between the brake pad and rotor to stop a vehicle, and as the brake pads wear thin, they are not able to do their job as effectively. Below, we will look at some indicators that your brakes need some extra care so you know what to watch for.

Signs It Is Time to Get Your Brakes Serviced

You begin hearing squeaks, squeals or grinding. Ideally, your brakes are supposed to be silent—so any type of noise that occurs when you are braking is a cause for concern. Noises that indicate trouble will generally begin with squeaking or squealing and can progress to a grumbling or grinding noise as the brake pads become more and more worn over time.

You feel a pulsing or vibrating as you break. As your car comes to a stop, you will ideally experience a gradual, smooth transition from driving speed to a halt. If you begin to notice any vibrations or shaking through the stopping process, something is likely amiss. This type of sensation is generally an indicator of worn or warped rotors, which can seriously impact your car’s stopping capabilities.

You do not recall the last time your brakes were changed. Getting your brakes changed regularly—even if you do not notice the indicators we have listed above—is a smart choice for car owners. Every model of car will have different recommendations on how often to have the brakes replaced, and your schedule for replacement is also influenced by your typical driving habits and road conditions. However, if you do not recall the last time you have had your brakes looked over, it is a good time to schedule a courtesy check to be sure yours are still in good, safe shape!

If you need to have your brakes serviced, you can count on us! Whether you need a full replacement or simply want us to take a look to make sure they are in okay shape, you can schedule an appointment with us today so we can check it out.