3 Signs You Need New Brakes

If you had to pick the top safety feature of your car, what would be? For many people, the first thing they think of are the brakes. It’s true, the brakes are one of the most, if not the most, important safety feature on your vehicle. 

Unfortunately, however, brakes don’t last forever. After years of driving the same car, your brakes might begin to wear out. Not only does this make for unsafe driving conditions for yourself, but it also puts your passengers and other people out on the road in danger too. 

Do You Know How Brakes Work?

It’s well-known that the brakes are what bring your car to a full stop after it’s been in motion, but do you know how? It’s amazing to think that by the push of one pedal we’re able to bring our cars to a complete stop after we’ve been going 75 on the highway. How is this possible? CarCareHunt.com says the answer is hydraulics. 

Hydraulics, they explain, use pressurized liquid to create power. This works because liquids aren’t able to be compressed. So, if you try to compress a liquid that is inside a sealed container, it will move out to all the sides of the container trying to find a new place to go. When you step on your brake, you are pressurizing the entire brake system, applying the brakes. 

Further, kinetic energy is what comes from all the hydraulic pressure. Kinetic energy is created by friction, and that’s what actually stops your car. All four wheels found on your car have a brake rotor or brake drum, both of which are attached to and spin the wheels. When you want to stop, you apply your brakes, and high temperature resistant brake pads press against the rotor or drum creating friction, which eventually stops your car. 

Over time, however, this friction can take a toll on the brakes and they’ll need to be replaced. If you’ve been driving a while, keep an eye out for these 5 signs that you might need new brakes. 

3 Signs You Need New Brakes

1. The brake light on the dash comes on
   If you’re driving one day and suddenly the brake light pops on your dash, it could mean several different things. In most cases, it means you either have low brake fluid or your brake pads are worn out. No matter the cause, seeing the brake light means you need to bring your car in to be inspected so the problem can be corrected. 
2. You hear weird noises
   If every time you brake you hear loud, squealing or shrieking sounds, there’s most likely a problem with your brakes. Geico explains that, in most modern cars, brake pads are made with indicators that are made to make these unpleasant sounds when they start to wear out. Other cars might make a clicking noise because their brake pads are made with clips, bolts, or pins. When these become loose, they rattle and you hear that happening. This is your warning sign to get your brakes checked.
3. Braking feels different
   You know your car better than anyone because you drive it each and every day. If it used to feel one way while you pressed the brakes but now it feels another, trust your gut. Whether it’s not coming to a stop as easily as it once did or it’s taking more effort to press the brake pedal down, bring it in to get inspected. 

Trust Scott’s Auto with Your Brakes

Like an oil change, it seems like brakes are another maintenance issue that sneaks up on you sooner than you’re prepared for. At Scott’s Auto & Repair, we realize you already have a busy schedule to juggle and getting your brakes repaired would just be one more appointment to squeeze in, so we promise to make it as quick and painless as possible. Head to our appointment tab to let us know when you want to stop by or just drop on in. We hope to see you soon!