If your brakes are trying to tell you something, you should pay
attention. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle
control and operation and it should be checked immediately if you
suspect any problems.
While an annual brake inspection is a good way to ensure brake
safety, motorists should not ignore signs that their brakes need
attention. Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance
will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.
Motorists shoul look for the following warning signs that their brakes need to be inspected:
- Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
- Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking.
- Low Pedal: brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.
- Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage.
- Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal.
- Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions.
- Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Because brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle, they will
eventually need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear
include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the
quality of the brake lining material. Be sure to avoid letting brakes
get to the ‘metal-to-metal’ point as that can mean expensive rotor or
drum replacement.