FAIRFAX, VA — Failing brakes can give you all sorts of warning signs before disaster strikes. Some of these warning signs you may know from experience. Other signs may be the warning sign you are currently ignoring. Either way, it is important that you understand what warning signs your brakes are making, and what symptoms could put you at increasing risk! To following are some of the top warning signs the mechanics at Brake Masters see every day:
Brake Lights
Emergency brake is on or you have a serious drop in hydraulic pressure. Your brakes may be near total failure.
Drag
Sticking brakes, hot wheels or engine that seems to have lost power. Brakes may be failing to release; the condition can reverse itself, leaving you with no brakes at all.
Grabs
“Touchy” brakes that grab with the least pressure. May indicate a problem as simple as grease or oil contaminated lining – or as serious as a loose or broken components ready to fail in an emergency.
Hard Pedal
Requires extreme pressure to make brake function. Can indicate power brake trouble, restricted hydraulic lines, frozen calipers or wheel cylinders, or damaged brake linings.
Low Pedal
Pedal nearly touches floorboard before brakes function. May activate your brake warning light. Problems may require a simple adjustment or indicate something much more serious.
Pull
Car pulls to one side when brakes are applied. May be an under inflated tire, mis-adjusted brakes or brakes are in need of repair.
Squeal
Brakes should operate with a minimal amount of noise. Some noise is normal but excessive squeal, screech, grinding, groaning, chatter, clatter or bang means your brakes need attention.
Vibration
Brake pedal, steering wheel or entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulsates when brake is applied. May indicate need to resurface disc brake rotors – or signal a serious problem of a loose component or faulty steering mechanism.
If you are experiencing any of these brake warning signs, it may be time to get your brakes inspected! Call Brake Masters today, and we’ll give you peace of mind with a free brake inspection. Nothing makes you more secure than knowing your brakes are going to be there when you need them the most!
