Watch Out For This!
We don’t need to tell you how important your vehicle’s brakes are. Just take a moment to imagine what driving would be like without them! It sounds like a true nightmare. Once you take a moment to appreciate the importance of functional brakes, you understand why it’s essential to ensure they are in good condition. Worn out brakes won’t effectively or quickly stop your vehicle, which can pose serious safety risks. Take some time to inspect your braking system today and ensure you are ready to drive safely!
Visual Inspection
Inspecting the components in the braking system can give you a hint as to whether or not you need brake repair. Take a moment to learn the difference between the caliper, disc, and brake pads so that you can identify them on your vehicle. It might be easier to do this with the wheel removed so that you can see without any obstructions. The caliper squeezes the disc, with the pad in-between to buffer the braking process. You need to see if the pads are wearing low and check the disc for signs of uneven wear. Grooves and warping might mean you aren’t getting the most from your brakes.
A visual inspection can be tricky without some automotive experience. Luckily, there are a few other ways to check your brakes.
Sounds
Your brakes will fail without a healthy amount of padding between the caliper and disc. Automakers understand this and have designed brake pads with their own warning system to alert drivers when they need replacement. Once friction has worn the brake pads to a minimum thickness, you’ll start hearing a loud screeching sound when you apply the brakes. This sound is designed as your warning to replace the brake pads!
If you don’t solve problems with wearing components, you may hear a new sound. Grinding occurs when the calipers make direct contact with the disc after the pads have completely worn away. This is extremely dangerous to the health and safety of your vehicle. The brakes might fail if this happens, so you should contact a professional immediately!
Pedal
The last way to detect braking problems is through the pedal. Pay close attention to what it feels like when you press the pedal. It should feel responsive to your foot and engage the brakes from the first moment you press it. A pedal that depresses to the floor without quickly activating the braking system is called a spongy pedal. This is a safety problem as it makes it difficult to stop your vehicle quickly.
Don’t feel comfortable with your own assessment of the brakes on your car? Let the experts at Toy Doctor in Denver, Colorado take a look! We’ll let you know if the system is safe for use or if it’s time for brake repair.