5 Signs Your Car Needs Brake Repair

Without a doubt, the brake system is the most important safety feature of your vehicle. It is tasked with bringing your car, which weighs thousands of pounds, to a stop, and often in a relatively short distance and from high speeds. It is fortunate that total brake failure without warning is quite rare, as the brakes have several ways of relaying problems to the driver. If you experience any of these signs of brake trouble in your car be sure to make an appointment for brake repair immediately.

Soft Brake Pedal

Does it seem like your brake pedal now rests closer to the floor than it used to? Or does it seem as if you need to push it harder and farther to get a reaction from the brakes? This generally indicates heavily worn out brake pads, but there is a chance this problem is caused by air in the brake lines or even a dangerous brake fluid leak.

Brake Pedal Vibration

If you've gone through an episode of hard braking and come to find yourself with a shaky brake pedal afterward, you may have ended up with warped brake rotors. The rotors are what the brake pads rub against to create the friction that slows your vehicle. If they become warped, which can occur due to long hard braking or general wear over time, the brake pads will have a smaller surface area to rub against, thus reducing your braking power.

Pulling

A car that tries to go left or right during braking may be experiencing uneven wear of the brake pads. While this alone is a control issue that needs to be addressed, the problem could be more serious. Contaminated brake fluid or a stuck wheel cylinder could also cause this issue.

ABS Indicator Light

The dashboard of your car has many indicator lights that let you know about problems with the engine, alternator, electrical system and other parts. There is also an ABS (anti-lock braking system) light, which is the brake system light. If this comes on, head to the auto shop right away for proper computer diagnostics.

Grinding Sounds

The most telltale sign it's time for brake repair is a grinding or squealing noise that occurs when you apply the brakes. This is a strong indicator your brake pads have worn through and metal is now grinding on metal, leaving you with very limited braking abilities. If you hear this noise, it is likely time for brake pad replacement.

Putting off brake services will only allow existing problems to get worse. If these issues are not fixed in a timely manner, it could lead to an accident. If you believe your car needs professional brake repair in Houston, head to Harting Automotive. Our ASE Certified auto repair mechanics will ensure that your car or truck is safe to drive when it leaves our shop. The next time you need any auto repair in Houston, don't hesitate to call us at (713) 688-0967. We will be happy to provide you with an accurate car repair estimate.

Harting Automotive Blog
Posted: September 20, 2020

Written and Published By MORBiZ