The brakes are one of the most important parts in your vehicle that not only help you stop the car when needed but also assist in better handling of the vehicle. However, driving your car with malfunctioning brakes can be a dangerous affair as it can put your life and that of others at risk.
Several factors can adversely affect the efficient functioning of the brakes thus jeopardizing its functioning. Here in this article, we will discuss the 7 prominent signs associated with brake system failure which indicates they need to be serviced immediately.
Unusual Noises From Your Brakes
Whenever there are issues with the brakes in your car, you are going to come across unusual noises when you press the brake pedal to stop your car. Generally, under normal driving circumstances, you are never going to come across any unusual sounds when applying the brakes.
However, if there are failing brake components in your car then the moment you apply the brake pedal, you are going to hear unusual noise in the form of squealing, squeaking, or grinding sounds coming from the brakes indicating worn-out brake pads that need to be replaced with new ones.
The friction between the metals leads to these sounds and if you are not prompt in replacing the damaged brake pads, then it can take a toll on the functioning of the brake rotors leading to additional repair expenses.
Soft Brake Pedal
The brake pedal of your vehicle should always feel sturdy under your feet and you would have to apply pressure to press down the pedal and stop your car. However, at times, you might come across a very different brake pedal that feels soft or spongy when you press it and completely dives to the floor.
This is an indication of problems with the braking system of your car that is translating into the form of a spongy brake pedal in your vehicle indicating the presence of air in the brake lines. This adversely affects the functioning of the brakes which is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
In addition to that, brake fluid leaks in your car can also lead to a spongy brake pedal as the hydraulic pressure required for the efficient functioning of the brakes reduces drastically.
Illuminated Warning Light
Often you will find that whenever there are any issues in your car then the check engine light located on the dashboard of your vehicle flashes. However, the problem with the illumination of the check engine light is such that it can come on due to a host of different factors.
That is why consulting with a certified mechanic who is equipped with an OBD scanner can help in deciphering the error codes. Nowadays, all modern cars are equipped with brake warning lights and if you find that the brake warning light is flashing on the dashboard then it indicates problems in the braking system of the vehicle.
Increase In Stopping Distance
A prominent sign associated with a malfunctioning braking system in your vehicle is when you observe that the stopping distance of your vehicle keeps on increasing day by day. Well, this is a very typical problem and it might not be evident during the initial stages of the problem.
Nevertheless, with time you will observe that despite applying your full pressure the car takes a longer distance to stop than what was the previous scenarios where it had great stopping power. This indicates faulty brake calipers or warped rotors that need to be fixed.
Leaking Brake Fluid
The brake fluids are one of the most important fluids in your vehicle as it helps in the efficient functioning of the brakes in your car. Most people don’t know that the brake fluid helps in maintaining the hydraulic pressure in the brakes and this helps in their proper functioning.
Now, if you come across any accumulation of fluid on the garage floor where you have parked your car & at the same time experience a drop in the performance of your brake, then it is the brake fluid that is leaking from your car.
Foul Smell
Now, while driving if you suddenly experience a smell of burning rubber when applying the brakes then it indicates that your brakes are overheating. There are several factors that can cause your brakes to overheat starting from worn-out brake pads to malfunctioning calipers.
The overheating issues of your brakes are caused due to worn-out brake pads or failed calipers which if not rectified in time can create serious problems including fire hazards in your car.
Vibrations & Shaking
Often issues with the braking system can translate into various other problems in your car and experiencing vibrations or shaking of your vehicle while applying the brakes is one such problem. It indicates warped brake rotors in your vehicle or contaminated brake fluid that needs to be replaced.
MotorHaus: Excellence in Brake Service & Repairs
If you are looking for a trusted garage in West Palm Beach, FL then head straight to MotorHaus to get your brakes diagnosed and fixed by our team of ASE-certified mechanics who have years of experience in looking after luxury cars and fixing even the most complex of issues without a fuss.
At MotorHaus we are committed to providing you with excellent service and our facility is equipped with the latest tools and equipment that makes it easy for us to diagnose the issues affecting your brakes & initiate the best remedial measures to restore the proper functioning of your brakes. Give us a call or stop by our shop today with questions or to schedule your next appointment.