With so many of us relying on cars to get ourselves and our families safely from place to place, keeping our vehicles well maintained is essential. One of the most important safety features of our vehicles comes in the form of the brakes. However, over time and with wear and tear, our brake pads can begin to erode, and it is important to replace them before this erosion leads to safety issues. Check out these tips and learn the signs to look out for when replacing your brake pads.
Squeaking
One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs its brake pads replaced would be a squeaking noise occurring when pressure is applied to the brakes. This means that the current pads have been excessively worn down and are in need of a replacement soon.
Vibrations when Braking
If you are noticing that your vehicle is beginning to vibrate when you use your brakes, that is typically a sign that it is time to replace your brake pads. This can also be a sign that your rotors are warped, and could mean that the whole braking system is in need of repair.
Slower Stopping
Another key sign to look out for to indicate how effectively your brakes are working is to see how quickly you are able to come to a complete stop. If you are beginning to notice that your vehicle isn’t braking as quickly as it previously had in the past, this could be an indication that your brake pads have begun to wear down and are in need of a replacement.
Brake Light On
The lights on our vehicle’s dashboard are the most effective way that our cars are able to communicate with us. Therefore, when they are trying to tell us something, it is important to listen. If you see your brake light come on, go and bring your vehicle in to have a look taken at it, it could end up saving you a lot of money in repairs in the long run and help to keep you safe as well.
Car Pulling to One Side when Braking
If your vehicle is pulling to a particular side when you are using your brakes, it could be a sign that your braking system is in need of repairs. This is an issue that could be indicative of any number of issues, but nevertheless it is important that it is addressed and fixed right away, for your own safety and for the longevity of your car.