You already know that your brakes are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Whether you are making a sudden stop to avoid an accident or you are slowly applying the brakes before a stop sign, you rely on your brakes to keep you and your loved ones safe. J&M Transmission & Auto Service wants you to know the signs that your brakes need to be serviced, repaired, or replaced so you can get them fixed before you end up in a dangerous situation.
New & Unusual Noises
Grinding, squealing, and squeaking are never sounds that you want to hear from your brakes. Ideally, you shouldn’t hear anything from your brakes, but if you do it could be due to a variety of reasons.
A metal on metal grinding sound is a good indicator that your brake pads are worn through and should be replaced immediately. If you notice a squeaking or squealing noise that stops when you apply the brakes, it is likely coming from your brake indicator. That squealing is your braking system’s way of telling you that your brake pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced or inspected soon.
Strange Movement
A vibrating steering wheel, vehicle, or brake pedal when you are in the process fo stopping is worrisome. That bumpy stop could be the result of an uneven rotor, a brake caliper not releasing properly, or even a loose lug nut. Whatever the issue, it is a good idea to bring your vehicle into the shop to have your brakes inspected.
Spongey Brakes
The whole point of a braking system is to allow you to easily stop when you need to. When you start having to put more pressure on your brakes to stop the car, it isn’t a good feeling. if your brake pedal starts to feel softer or if you find yourself pushing the pedal all the way to the floor, you need service as soon as possible.
Exactly how far is too far? If your vehicle has power brakes you want your pedal to stop 1 to 1.5 inches from the floor. For manual brakes, the pedal needs to stop around 3 inches from the floor.
The team at J&M Transmission & Auto Service always puts the safety of our customers first. If you are concerned about your brakes or need to schedule brake service, repair, or replacement we want you to know that your car is in the best hands with our expert mechanics. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
