Signs Your Car Needs Brake Repair

Your cars brakes are probably not something that you think about too often, but (for obvious reasons) theyre one of the features of your vehicle that you should always keep in good condition. If you live in an area with a lot of steep hills, it is even more important to get your brakes checked regularly. San Francisco and San Diego brake repair are known to be somewhat booming businesses because of the steep hills in some neighborhoods.

Its natural for your brakes to start wearing after years of use, so its important to know when they need to be replaced or repaired so that you dont risk a serious accident. Here are some signs you can look for that will let you know when your cars brakes are in bad shape.

Visible Wear
Every so often you should look at your brake pads through the space between the spokes of your cars wheels. There should always be at least about of an inch between the pad and the metal rotor. If its less than that, it might be a good idea to get the brakes inspected.

Audible Screeching
If an audible screech comes from your car whenever you come to a stop, it could mean that your brakes are in need of repair. The louder and more frequent the screeching, the more urgent the need to replace the brakes is. Keep in mind that this sound is built in as a warning method and can be heard even with the windows rolled up. However, if you have loud music playing, you might not be able to hear it. One exception to this is when your car has been exposed to water for a long period of time, like after heavy rain or flooding. The moisture can cause some rusting on the brake rotors and this will cause screeching. Once the rust has worn away, the sound will fade as well.

Vibrating Brake Pedal
If your pedal vibrates or pulsates when you brake, it could be a sign of warped rotors or misalignment. Warped rotors are often the result of severe overuse of a cars brake system. For example, if you drive downhill a lot or often tow something heavy, your rotors will suffer. The massive friction created heats up the rotors and causes warping. This in turn causes the brake pedals to vibrate, as they are unable to grip the rotor surface evenly.

Slow Response or Fading
If the brake pedal sinks to the floor when you press it or if the response time on your cars brakes feels too slow, it could be a sign that theres a leak in your vehicles brake system, either an air leak or a brake fluid leak. One way you can verify that its a fluid leak is by checking if a small puddle of brake fluid gathers under your car when it is parked. It will look similar to motor oil but the texture will be less slimy.

Pulling
If your car pulls (even slightly) to one side or the other as you brake, it could mean that the brake linings are starting to wear or that there is a contaminant in the brake fluid. Youll either need to get a brake adjustment or have your brake fluid drained and replaced.

If youre looking for a local shop to get your brakes check, there are plenty of San Diego auto repair shops throughout the county. Be sure to call ahead to find out about services and prices before making the trip!