Diagnosing And Recognizing Braking Issues
The idea of your brakes failing when you need them most can be terrifying. The good news is that full failure is rare, and you can further eliminate the chances of it happening by knowing the signs of brake problems. The following guide will help you test your brakes for safety and educate on common symptoms of brake issues.
Basic Brake Tests
You can perform these tests at any time if you want to make sure everything is in top working order.
- Rolling Test: This is a quick test that you can perform whenever you start the car. Immediately after accelerating, move your foot and gently depress the brake pedal to make sure the car instantly responds and slows. You don't want to depress the pedal completely because this will result in a hard stop, which can cause premature wear on your brakes. The goal is to press just hard enough to verify the brakes are responding quickly when you are still driving at slow speeds.
- Static Test: The static test is performed before you move the car. Simply press the pedal all the way to the floor when you first get into the vehicle. It should press down smoothly and with resistance. If the pedal feels soft, mushy, or doesn't move evenly, then you need to get your brakes checked by a local auto repair shop immediately.
Signs of Distress
There are also many symptoms that your brakes may need serviced or repaired. Being aware of these means you can get your car in for repairs before safety becomes a major concern.
- Noise. This is often the most noticeable symptom of a brake issue. You may hear grinding as the car slows to a stop. In other cases, your brakes may squeal loudly when you depress the pedal. Both are causes for concern and a reason to visit the mechanic.
- Pulling. Sometimes your car will pull to one side when you depress the brake pedal. This could indicate that a brake pad isn't properly aligned.
- Shaking. A shaking steering wheel when you hit the brakes is a symptom of drum or rotor damage, which needs repaired for your car to stop properly.
- Spongy pedal. A spongy or soft pedal doesn't feel like it is providing any resistance when you step on it. You may even need to pump the pedal a couple of times to build up sufficient pressure to brake. This is usually a result of a leak in the brake lines or a bubble in the fluid. Both can easily be repaired by your auto repair professional.
If you suspect a problem with your brakes, don't hesitate to take your car in to a business like G P Automotive. Your safety depends on the proper operation of this important component.
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