Brakes are a crucial safety feature in any type of vehicle and proper maintenance of brakes must always be on top of the priority list.
Though there are many types of braking systems, there are a few common signs that can be taken as a reminder for brake services and here's the list of 5 signs that we think are crucial reminders for brake service.
If you own a fairly modern car, your car will probably have a warning light for the braking system and this light is usually lit up only when the hydraulic pressure in the braking system is below the optimum pressure. Apart from that, this indicator also lights up if there is something wrong with the ABS system in the car.
So, if this Brake Warning Light appears on the dashboard, we highly recommend visiting the nearby car service centre to get the issue sorted out as it could be potentially dangerous to the driver and other road users.
Squeaking noise while braking is the most common sign that your brakes need immediate servicing. However, sometimes this noise can be heard due to low lubrication on the rear drum brakes of the car.
On the other hand, the squeaking noise while braking could also be caused by worn-out brake pads and this can lead to very poor braking performance. If left unattended will cause brakes to fail and the user will have to shell out additional money to replace the rotors as well.
Vibration or wobbling in the steering wheel or the brake pedal while braking is a clear indicator of uneven brake rotors. These brake rotors are a very important part of the braking system as the brake pads grip these rotating rotors to stop the vehicle.
Like many mechanical parts, the brake rotors will also wear out over time and sometimes the surface of the brake rotor could be uneven. This unevenness in brake rotors causes vibration while braking.
If left unchecked, these will not only lead to eventual brake failure but can also affect other parts such as the suspension and steering system due to excessive vibrations.
If you feel like you are pressing the brake pedal a bit longer than usual or goes all the way to the floorboard of your car, the symptom could be caused by air or moisture inside the braking system.
While pumping the brakes repeatedly could remove the air bubbles from the system. However, if not rectified, this could be a problem with the master cylinder and we recommend not to drive the vehicle during this condition.
If your car gets pulled to one side while braking, it could be an indicator that the brakes on the opposite side of the pull could be faulty.
Though there could be one or more reasons for this fault, the most common fault is a faulty caliper or a broken hose. We recommend visiting a service centre nearby if this issue arises.
As mentioned, brakes are not only crucial for the safety of the user and its passengers, but it is also very important for the safety of other road users as well. So, it is always recommended to check the brakes of your car during manufacturer-recommended periodic intervals.