When is it time to replace your vehicle’s brakes?

The best way to save money on brake repairs and replacements is to get them fixed before damage occurs.  If you didn’t know,  there’s actually a variety of symptoms to let you know when it’s time for new brakes.  However, we tend to see most people wait until they’re brake system starts to fail before having their vehicle inspected or repaired.  As brakes are arguably one of the most important aspects to road safety, we’ve gathered some precautionary signs for you: 

High Pitch Squealing or Squeaking

The number one indicator for an issue with the braking system is squeaking.  If you constantly hear a loud squealing or squeaky noise when you hit your brake pedal, then it is time to get your brakes inspected.  The reason for this sound is because the  brake pad is worn down and its tab is touching the rotor.  This mechanism is an extra precaution in place to let you know when the brake pads are no longer good. 

Grinding Noises

Out of all the brake issue indicators, this one has the potential to be the most costly.  The grinding noise means you’re beyond the point of the brake pad squealing.  This sound can be an issue of the brake pads being completely worn down, lack of brake pads entirely, or several other issues.  Typically, the grinding is the sound of your calipers and rotors rubbing, carving grooves into the rotors.  At this point, it gets more costly every time you hit the brakes.

Steering Wheel Vibration

If you’re experiencing vibrations throughout your steering wheel column when you hit the brakes, that lets you know it’s your front brake rotors.  The common cause for this occurrence are warped brakes.  Over time, the heat caused by friction when pressing the brake pads against the rotors will eventually cause the rotors surface to be uneven.  Thus, causing less than smooth braking when coming to a stop.  

Spongy Brakes 

Brakes pedals that have little or no pressure when compressed could be due to a few issues.  It could simply be that your brake fluid is a little low but it could also be a telltale sign that there is a leak somewhere in your braking system.  If it ends up being the latter, it is of the utmost importance to get your vehicle to a shop for inspection and repair.  Without brake fluid correctly getting to the calipers you will be unable to properly stop your car which is highly dangerous to not only yourself but to those around you as well.

Sugarland and Stafford Brake Repair

Whether you’re overdue for a repair or you need an expert opinion, bring your car by our Sugar Land repair shop for any maintenance needs. We’ll check your brakes for free and your brake repairs will be among the best prices you will find anywhere in the Houston metro area. Callstop by, or request a service today.

Call Now : 281-800-9209