Your vehicle has numerous safety components designed to keep you safe while on the road, but none is as essential as your brakes. Made up of multiple parts, the braking system needs routine maintenance and replacement to ensure it is working properly.
The good news is that brakes rarely fail without giving you plenty of warning that something is wrong. You just need to know what signs to look out for. Here are the warning signs you should never ignore.
1. Your Brake Light Is On
Most dashboards have several indicator lights that signal brake problems. Your first step is learning what these indicators are so you can recognize them. The second is to call for Gainesville mobile breakdown service as soon as you see one come on. The only exception to this is when the indicator light signals you forgot to turn off your emergency brake.
2. YOU HEAR UNUSUAL NOISES
Squeals, squeaks, and grinding noises are not normal brake sounds. If you are noticing odd sounds when you apply the brakes, something is wrong. High-pitched squeals mean it’s time to learn how to check brake pads, because yours are now too worn. Grinding noises could indicate something is stuck in the caliper unit, or it could mean that your brake pad has completely worn through.
3. A BURNING SMELL
If you notice a chemical odor that seems like it is coming from something burning, it could be your brakes. Typically, this happens when driving on steep roads where you must engage your brakes a lot, overheating them. Once you notice this smell, find a safe spot to pull over, and fully allow your brakes to cool, otherwise brake failure will occur.
4. ODD SENSATIONS WHEN BRAKING
Shaking, wobbling, and vibration that occurs when the brakes are applied means something has gone wrong. You might feel this in the as a whole or just the steering wheel. In any case, call for commercial truck mobile repair in Gainesville, GA.
5. Sinking Brake Pedal
When the resistance behind your brake pedal changes, you are experiencing a brake emergency. Get off the road safely and call for help. This typically indicates air or moisture in the system or a problem with the master cylinder.
6. PULLING WHEN BRAKING
When you brake, the vehicle should remain aligned as you had it before applying the brake. If it pulls to one side, you have an issue with the hose or caliper.
7. BOUNCING WITH QUICK BRAKING
In this case, the issue likely isn’t your brakes, but the shock absorbers. Still, this is an indication that something vital is wrong.
8. Leaking Fluid
If you notice any fluid leaking from your vehicle, something isn’t right. While this fluid could be from many different things, there is the potential that it is from your brakes, so take it seriously.
Brake repairs are a serious service that, if done poorly, could cause serious damage to vehicle and operator. For assistance with brakes, oil, or even 24-hour mobile tire repair in Gainesville, GA turn to Road Rescue.
