How Do You Know Your Brakes Are Bad?

Signs Your Brakes are Wearing Down

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. After all, they're what allow you to stop when you need to. That's why it's so important to pay attention to the signs that your brakes may be failing and to get them fixed as soon as possible. Here are some signs that your brakes may be going bad and what to do about it.

Squealing Noise Coming from Your Brakes

One of the first signs that your brakes are going bad is if you start hearing a squealing noise every time you hit the brakes. This noise is usually caused by wear on the brake pads. When the brake pads wear down, they start to make this squealing noise in order to indicate that they need to be replaced.

Vibrating Brake Pedal

If you notice that your brake pedal is vibrating when you hit the brakes, there may be an issue with your brake rotors. When the rotors become warped or damaged, they can cause the pedal to vibrate. This is usually a sign that the rotors need to be replaced or resurfaced.

Braking Distance is Longer Than Usual

If you find that it's taking longer for your vehicle to come to a stop than it used to, this could be a sign of a problem with your brake fluid levels. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated and needs to be flushed out and replaced in order to maintain optimal braking performance.

Steering Wheel/Vehicle Pulls to One Side When Braking

If you notice that the vehicle starts pulling to one side or the other when you apply the brakes, this could be a sign of a stuck caliper or an issue with the alignment of your suspension components. Both of these issues need to be addressed as soon as possible in order to maintain safe braking performance and prevent further damage to your vehicle.

Leaking Fluid

Another sign of potential trouble is if you see any fluids leaking from under your vehicle after parking it for a while. if you see reddish-brown fluid, this is most likely brake fluid; if it's clear or oily, it's probably power steering fluid; while green or yellow fluids are typically coolant leaks. Any of these leaks should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible in order to avoid major problems down the road.

Brake Repair Experts in Council Bluffs - Mad Hatter Auto Repair

Brake issues should never be ignored because they can quickly turn into major safety concerns if left unaddressed for too long. If you notice any of the above signs, bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible! The trained technicians at Mad Hatter Auto Repair can take a look and make any necessary repairs before it's too late. Call either of two Mad Hatter Auto Repair locations, serving Council Bluffs, IA (712) 322-7500 and Omaha, NE (402) 330-2286 to schedule an appointment.