How to Tell if Your Brakes Need to Be Replaced

Posted by Kevin Smith
7
Jan 27, 2017
220 Views

To be safe on the road, every aspect of your vehicle should be in working condition. The brakes are a particularly important part of your vehicle, as the ability to stop quickly and effectively at a moment’s notice can prevent an accident or even save your life. If you might be in need of a car brakes repair shop in Newark NJ, follow these guidelines to find out when to bring your car in for repairs.

 

Examine the Brake Pads

 

Even if you’re not a car repair expert, you should be able to perform a basic examination of the brake parts to determine if they’re due for replacement. To do this, simply visually examine the brake pads that rest beneath the spokes of the wheel. The black brake pad that’s held in place by the metal rotor should be at least one quarter of an inch thick. If the brake pads are less than this width, it’s time to take your vehicle to a car brakes repair shop in Newark NJ.

 

Listen for Sounds While Braking

 

Checking for brake pad thickness is just one of the ways that you can determine whether or not the brakes need to be repaired. If you’ve noticed unpleasant sounds while braking, it’s probably time to bring your vehicle in for maintenance. Next time you’re out for a drive, listen carefully for sounds like grinding, grating, or screeching. These are clear indications that it’s time for brake repair. Continuing to drive a vehicle that’s exhibiting signs of brake failure has the potential to cause serious issues, including car accidents.

 

Feel for Vibrations

 

There are multiple components to the braking system on a vehicle, and rotors are part of this complex system. If the rotors are damaged, you’ll likely notice vibration when applying the brakes. If you feel a vibration or pulsing sensation coming from the brake pedal when you apply pressure, this is a sign that the rotors should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

 

Test Brake Responsiveness

 

If you’ve noticed a clear deterioration of brake responsiveness over the course of time, you’ll benefit from finding a high-quality car brakes repair shop in Newark NJ. Your vehicle most likely started out with responsive, firm brakes that could be applied with light pressure. If you’re having to press harder to slow down or come to a stop, you’ll likely notice a big difference after you’ve picked your car up from receiving routine brake maintenance. 

Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.