Brakes are obviously an important part of a vehicle– after all, without them, you’d be in major trouble! When it’s time to stop, you need to stop! But sometimes brakes don’t work well, and that’s not good. You might need to have your brakes repaired or replaced. But how would you know if your brakes are bad? What are some signs that your brakes have “issues?”
Brake Noises
First, if you hear some noises that are out of the ordinary, and not coming from your car radio, you might have brake problems. Listen for what seems like a “squeaking” or “squealing” coming from your brakes. These noises help indicate that your brake pads are worn down. If the noise gets to the point where it sounds like a “grinding,” that’s definitely a sign you need to take the vehicle in for professional service. Grinding noises could mean damage is being done to your rotors.
(Not) Good Vibrations
Next, notice if there’s any vibration when braking. If this is the case, your rotors might be warped to the point where they’re creating uneven brake pad wear. If your steering wheel starts vibrating, see a mechanic.
Extended Braking Time
Also, if it seems like it’s taking longer to stop your car when you apply the brakes, it could mean that your brake pads are worn or your brake fluid is low. Do you see a light on your dashboard that shows a brakes symbol? If that’s on, it’s time to bring your vehicle to a professional for service.
Can you get down on the ground and look at your brake pads in person? You can visually inspect them, looking between the spokes of your wheels. If you can see them, and they look less than ¼ inch thick, it’s time for some replacement pads. Most brake pads need to be replaced every 25,000-60,000 miles. You can look in your vehicle’s service manual to see what they recommend, since the make and model of the vehicle often dictates how often brake pads need replacement.
Other Indicators
What are some other indicators that you might have brake issues? When you press down on the brake pedal and it doesn’t feel like “normal” to you– instead it feels “spongy”– then it’s worth investigating, and if it seems like your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, that’s not normal.
Brake Services in Lancaster, CA
If and when you bring your vehicle into a professional garage, there are several things mechanics can and will do for it. Oftentimes, they’ll do a brake pad replacement coupled with resurfacing the brake rotors such that you get a smoother surface for the brake pads to press against. In some cases, it’s time for replacing the rotors, since they do wear out over time and can become too thin.
In Lancaster, California, bring your vehicle to AV Bumper to Bumper for professional brake service. AV Bumper to Bumper has decades of experience working with brakes on all sorts of vehicles, including sports cars, luxury cars, family vans and 4X4 trucks. For complete brake repair and replacement service in Lancaster, AV Bumper to Bumper can do the job, fixing the problem(s), and making your vehicle safe to operate.
Please call AV Bumper to Bumper at 661-949-1999 to schedule brake repair/replacement service for your vehicle. AV Bumper to Bumper is located at 44559 N. Division Street in Lancaster, CA, and open weekdays 8am to 6pm.
