The safety of vehicles and passengers completely depends on the brakes. It is important to maintain good brakes to ensure your safety and that of others. Brake service should be a crucial aspect of car maintenance that should always be noticed. The brake warning light on your dashboard is one of the most important things to pay attention to. Usually, the brake light on your car signals that the brakes need to be serviced.
It is important to remember that brake service may happen unexpectedly. That’s why experts say your premium car’s safety and performance depend on regular maintenance and timely brake repairs.
This blog discusses the common warning signs that your brakes need to be inspected.
How to do brake inspections?
A brake service involves a skilled mechanic looking over your car’s whole braking system to make sure it can stop safely. For the vehicle to run properly, technicians and experts should examine every aspect of the braking system.
- A road test or test drive
To identify the problems experienced by the customer, the experts should drive the vehicle. Any type of abnormality associated with the vehicle will be detected by the experts by a test drive, even if it may be smells or sounds. The brake lights should also be checked by a professional at this time.
- Visual Examination
After the test drive, the professionals remove the car’s hood and visually inspect the engine compartment. They should check for wear, corrosion, or leaks in the master cylinder, brake lines, power boosters, vacuum hose, and combination valve.
- Inspection of the brake pedal
Three main locations are checked on the brake pedal. Brake pedal reserve distance, brake pedal height, and brake pedal free play. The measurement of the distance between the brake pedal and the vehicle’s resting position is known as the brake pedal height. Brake Pedal Free Play is the amount of pedal travel before the brakes’ master cylinder begins to deliver brake pressure. Brake Pedal Reserve Distance is the space created while applying the breaks between the vehicle’s floor and the brake pedals.
- Analysis of Brake Fluid
By putting a test strip into the brake fluid to diagnose the condition of the brake fluid, it will be done by the experts. The test guarantees that the brake fluid is free of impurities and is in good condition. If the fluid level is too low and may need to be refilled, the mechanic should also examine that.
The brake fluid is a must-need because when you depress the brake pedal, it applies force to compress the brake pads and engage the brakes. To ensure the smooth functioning of the brakes, you should change the fluid every year.
- Inspection of the Undercarriage
Following the under-the-hood examination, the professionals had to elevate the car using a lift. During this time, the mechanic should check the undercarriage for wear, leaks, or physical damage. In addition, the wheel cylinders, front brake hoses, and mounting brackets should all be inspected for corrosion and rust, as well as any other anomalies that may be observed.
- Inspection of wheel components
To check wheel bearings for excessive movements or hazards, technicians or experts should then lower the vehicle as it remains on the lift. To check for damage or unsafe wear on the hub and lug nut holes, they should remove the wheels. Examine the caliper assemblies to make sure there are no leaks of fluid or damaged caliper slides. It is also important to inspect brake motors for physical damage.
- Assessment of braking components
To inspect rear brake drums or discs for various problems like hard spots and cracks, the experts will remove the rear brake drums or discs. Every part needs to be examined by the mechanic to rule out distortion, damage, or unusual wear and tear.
Spring pins, wheel cylinders, brake pads, brake rotors or discs, drum brakes, brake calipers, washers, brake plates, brake shoes, and emergency brakes are all found during brake inspections.
Signs That Your Brakes Need to Be Inspected
1.Strange Sounds
Squeaking or screeching noise may begin when your brake pads get thin. This is a regular sign of brake pad wear; if you ignore it, it could worsen. It’s time to change the pads since the noise may get louder and more consistent, indicating that they are virtually worn out.
Squeaking, knocking, and grinding are the most common noises. Worn brake pads will be the reason for grinding and knocking. The reason for the squeaking could be brake dust.
2. Reduced Braking Speed
You may find that your vehicle is less responsive than normal when you apply the brakes. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: Low brake fluid or air in the brake lines is indicated by a brake pedal that feels soft or spongy to the touch. This needs to be checked out right away because it could seriously impair your ability to brake.
If you drive continuously, your brakes may wear down slowly, and you won’t notice the change. However, if a new driver gets behind the wheel of your car and informs you that the brakes are not as responsive as they should be, that is a clear indication that your brakes require maintenance. Worn brake pads, brake fluid leakage, or air in the brake lines will reduce braking performance.
3. Burning smell
Factors such as the brake caliper hanging up, a collapsed brake hose, excessive braking, heavy loads, and steep descents will cause a burning smell from the brakes. Complete braking failure may result from overheated brakes. The braking system generates more heat as a result of these circumstances, which may be harmful to its parts. Reduced braking effectiveness, brake fade, warped rotors or drums, broken brake pads or shoes, and even boiling brake fluid—which results in a spongy or unresponsive brake pedal—can all be caused by overheated brakes.
If you feel a burning smell while driving or braking, it may indicate that your brake is overheating. The braking system may be harmed by overheating, so you should get it rectified before it becomes more serious.
4. Pulsating Brakes
Pulsating brakes can be caused by several factors, mainly the brake system’s components. Due to excessive heat, uneven wear, or manufacturing defects, brake rotors and drums can warp. An uneven braking force occurs when brake pads make contact with a warped rotor, resulting in pulsations.
There are brake system problems with brake rotors or calipers, which are due when your steering wheel starts shaking, which will cause wrapping or sticking. Your brake rotors may be warped if, when you apply the brakes, your dashboard, brake pedal, or steering wheel begin to shake or rattle. Damaged rotors can cause uneven braking, which can be dangerous and should be repaired immediately.
5. Wear indicators or visual inspections
To keep track of the condition of the brake pads and wheels, modern cars are often fitted with sensors. You just need to keep an eye out for the brake icon on the dashboard of your particular vehicle. For older vehicles, you may have to examine the brake pads yourself. You should not wait to schedule an appointment if the visuals indicate that your brakes need to be inspected.
6. Warning Light
When there is a problem with the brakes, the dashboard will illuminate with a warning light.
Warning lights are attached to most modern cars. Some of the cars have warning lights or message signals. You should have your brakes inspected if any warning light appears. By paying attention to all of these warning signs, you can avoid expensive repair bills.
Your car’s performance and safety are directly correlated with its brakes. The last thing you want is for your brakes to give out on you when you least expect it or require expensive repairs. This alert suggests that your braking system is having an issue that has to be fixed right now. It might have to do with low brake fluid, a broken sensor, or other brake-related problems. Rapid intervention can stop more serious issues from arising.
Conclusion
We can prevent costly repairs and avoid accidents through regular brake service and maintenance. Make sure your brake system is well-checked by expert mechanics or professionals, and don’t ignore any of the warning signs. Pit pros are devoted to offering low pricing and a stress-free experience to both new and repeat customers. At Pit pros, experienced auto mechanics will only use approved components and premium services to ensure the safety of you and your family while you drive.
If the car needs repairs and maintenance, a brake examination could take longer than the usual thirty minutes. Consider Pitpros if you’re searching for the most practical brake services for your car. Pitpros provides a mobile brake repair service that offers brake repair, regular auto maintenance, oil changes, and more at your home or place of business.
For a free estimate on your brake service, get in touch with us right now.
