5 Signs You Should Consider Getting a Brake Repair

One of the best ways to make sure your car is as safe to drive as possible is to get your brakes services regularly. However, if you haven’t had a chance to get your brakes inspected for a while, here are five signs that indicate Sherwood, AR drivers may need a brake repair. 

5 Signs that Indicate Sherwood, AR Drivers Should Consider Getting a Brake Repair

There Is a Squealing Sound Coming from the Brakes

All brake pads are equipped with wear indicators that are designed to warn drivers that their brake pads are wearing down and should be replaced soon. When the pads wear past the indicator, a squealing sound is produced when you’re driving around and NOT when you’re pressing on the brakes. This squealing sound means that while your brakes are still working for now, but they may not be effective for much longer, so you should get them inspected soon.

Your Brake Light Comes On

The most obvious sign that your brakes need repair is when your brake light illuminates on your dashboard. This light could mean that your regular brakes need services or that there’s something wrong with your emergency brake, but either way, it’s important to bring your car in for service to determine why the light came on. Never ignore any warning light that is on your dashboard because your car is smart enough to know when it needs help.

There Is a Grinding Noise Coming from the Brakes

If you ignore the squealing sound long enough, or if you somehow don’t hear it, eventually you’ll start hearing a grinding noise when you press on the brake pedal. This means that your brake pads are entirely worn away and your bare metal calipers are now squeezing against the metal rotor. Since your rotor needs to be completely smooth, the grinding will make them less effective when stopping. You’ll probably need new rotors as well as new brake pads.

It Takes You Longer to Stop

In regular driving conditions, the time it takes you to stop should remain consistent if your brakes are functioning properly. If they are failing, though, you will notice that your stopping time has increased. You might even find yourself pressing your brake pedal all the way to the floor before your vehicle comes to a stop. This is a major indication that you need new brakes, and you should get your car serviced as soon as possible.

Your Brake Pedal Feels Spongy

A brake pedal that feels spongy or squishy when you press on it is a sign that you could be leaking brake fluid. You’ll have to press harder on the pedal to get your car to stop, which means your stopping time is also increased, elevating the risk of a collision. Fluid is necessary to ensure your brakes work properly, so your car should be inspected right away to make sure you have enough fluid to keep them working well.

You always want your car to be safe to drive, but if you’re not getting your brakes serviced regularly, you’re actually driving an unsafe vehicle. Bring your car by Crain Kia for a brake check today.

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