WHEN TO GET BRAKE REPAIR
Regardless of how long you’ve been driving your sedan, truck, or SUV, you know your car better than anyone else. Anything from a slight change in performance, to an unfamiliar buzz or grind, can bring attention to a potential issue with your braking system.
Given the complexities of your car’s brakes, it’s not uncommon to experience a few of these symptoms as the vehicle ages. Keep an eye out for things like:
- The car pulls to one side when braking. If you experience this issue, it may be the result of a brake hose that’s gone bad, or the calipers are applying additional pressure, resulting in an uneven stop.
- Fluid leaks out while driving. Although fluid leaks are semi-common depending on the circumstances, keep an eye out for brake fluid. This is typically clear with a subtle shade of yellow.
- Hearing high-pitched screeching. If your brake pads are wearing, this will likely be the most noticeable symptom. This occurs when the metal tab inside the pads is exposed to the nearby rotor, resulting in a hissing noise.
- Warning sign appears on dashboard. You’re likely to see a red or yellow ‘BRAKE’ light appear on the instrument panel if your brakes are wearing down or need repairing. Don’t hesitate to get this issue looked at.