Signs of Brake Malfunction
Here’s What to Look Out For
The braking system in your vehicle plays an important role in making your driving experience a safe one. Whenever you step on the brake pedal, that pressure sends a signal to the metal calipers to squeeze the brake discs on the rotor. By doing this, it allows your vehicle to slow down and stop, which helps you safely navigate the roads of Austin, Texas. So you can imagine how dangerous it can be whenever they start to malfunction. But unlike other components, there are clear signs you can look for that’ll inform you when the brake system is failing well before it actually fails. Wondering what some of these signs are? Don’t worry, as the Dave’s Ultimate Automotive team is here to help you. Here are three signs that your brakes may be failing!
Brake Light Indicator
This will be the most obvious signal as it will appear on your vehicle’s dashboard. Due to modern technology, drivers are able to be notified when their brake pads have reached their minimum level of thickness. Whenever the vehicle’s sensors detect that, they’ll send a signal to the computer system and that system will activate a warning light. If you see this light go off, act quickly! Although the braking system is fine in the short-term, it could sustain long-term damage if left unattended!
Squealing/Squeaking
If you don’t have the luxury of having a brake light indicator in your vehicle, don’t worry. There are still other ways to determine the condition of the brake pads. If you hear squeaking or squealing while you use the brakes, that is another sign of the brake pads reaching their minimal level of thickness. Many pads are now equipped with springs or metal “hairs” within them that will gently scrape the brake disc and create this sound when the pad has almost worn out.
Spongy Brakes
The brakes in your vehicle were designed to be tight and responsive. Even the slightest touch should activate the braking system. So if you notice that you’re pushing further on the brake pedal to activate the brakes, then you’re dealing with spongy brakes. This is typically caused when there is air or moisture trapped within the brake line. If you notice this in your vehicle, please visit our shop as soon as possible. If not fixed, the brake pedal will eventually reach the floor and you will be unable to activate your brakes, which is an dangerous situation to be in.
