These are the ten signs you need new brakes for your car. There are many other warning signs, but if you experience any of the below, you need to act before it is too late.
If you neglect to get your brakes fixed or replaced on a timely basis, you could end up causing a lot of damage to your car and put yourself and other drivers on the road at risk.
Depending on your car’s age or how much you use it, you might need new brakes every six to twelve months.
If you often find yourself getting your brakes replaced, it may be time to consider buying a new car.
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Signs You Need New Brakes for your car.
The following are signs you need new brakes for your car:
1. You hear a loud screeching noise when you apply your brakes.
If you notice a loud squealing sound each time you brake, it is likely that the pads are wearing down or have been worn for quite some time and now need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage from being caused by the friction of metal on metal.
2. Your car keeps pulling to one side of the road when you brake.
If your car appears to be pulling more firmly in one direction than the other, there may be a problem with either the front or back brakes on that side of the vehicle.
When this happens, inspect each wheel individually to determine whether or not the brake shoes need to be replaced.
Also read, What to check when buying a used car in Kenya.
3. Your brake lights come on while driving.
Your brake lights keep coming on without you stepping on the brakes; there may be an issue with the lining of the shoes being worn down to a point where it is not making contact with each other ultimately.
4. You hear squealing or grinding or noises while braking.
The rotors may be warped if you notice grinding or squealing sounds each time you press down on the pedal.
If this happens to you, then it is time to consider visiting a mechanic as soon as possible to get new brakes put on before further damage occurs.
5. Your car vibrates excessively while braking.
If your car shakes or feels like it is jumping forward each time that you press down on the brake pedal, this indicates that there may be an issue with your brake pads.
6. The braking power in your car is not what it used to be.
If you notice that slowing down seems much more complicated than it should be or that stopping suddenly has become a problem, then there is likely something wrong with your brake pads, and it is time to get them replaced.
7. You Smell a Burning Odor
You smell a burning odor when you step on the brakes. Suppose you smell a burning smell each time you press down on the brake pedal.
In that case, there is an issue with your brake pads, and it should be addressed immediately by a professional mechanic before further damage occurs to both the vehicle and anyone riding in it.
8. The brake pedal in your car feels spongy.
If you notice that the brake pedal in your vehicle does not seem as firm as it once was, this could indicate that there is air in the brake lines.
If this happens, you will need to get it fixed right away because driving on faulty brakes can cause massive problems not only for those riding in the vehicle but also for others on the road at the same time.
9. You have reached your car’s maximum braking distance on a steep hill.
When trying to stop your car on a hill that takes much longer than usual or you cannot control, this usually means an issue with either the brake pads or the brake shoes.
If you experience this, make sure that you get it looked at as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Also, read Top 12 Affordable Family Cars in Kenya.
10. Visible cracks and wear on your brake pads and rotors.
If you notice visible cracks and worn-down parts on either your brake pad or rotor surface, there is likely an issue with the brake components that you must address immediately.
If you notice any of the signs in this article, be sure to get your brakes inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible before they cause even more damage and put you further at risk of getting into a car accident.
