7 Signs You Need New Brakes

Roberta Willson • May 20, 2022

Driving with your windows down weather is here and now you might be starting to hear or feel things with your vehicle that you didn’t even realize during the winter months. Here are 7 signs your brakes need to be changed to be on the lookout for:


      1. Your “Check Brakes” Light is On

      This should be a dead giveaway but sometimes we ignore these warning lights or think they are mistakes. If your brake light comes on and              does not go away, you need to take it to your mechanic. Sometimes the light will say “ABS” or “check brake”. Please do not hesitate to call                R.H. Willson Auto Repair- our experienced mechanics will get you in as soon as possible. 


      2. Grinding Brake Sounds or Squeaky Brakes

      The sound you are looking for is a metal-on-metal sound. If you hear this or an even louder sound, you will need to take in your vehicle for                new brakes as soon as possible. This sound means that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. If you ignore this sound and        it gets even louder, that means you have worn out your brake pads that they are now rubbing against the rotors. 


      3. Vibrating When Applying the Brakes

      When you press your brake pedal down, does it vibrate or shake? This is a good sign that you need new brakes. The reason for the vibrating or        shaking is that as each brake pad gets worn down the binding resin that holds the brake pads together is breaking down and apart. Now with        this sign, there might be another reason such as tire pressure, wheel bearings, or something else but no matter what, it is worth bringing to a          mechanic to take a look. 


      4. Having to Push Harder on the Brakes to Stop

      You should get a firm feel and a quick response when you press on your brake. If your brakes are in need of being replaced, you will need to            push harder towards the floor of your vehicle to get them to respond. This could be a problem with your braking system or the brake fluid and        like the other signs, should be taken seriously. If this is happening, please bring your vehicle to a mechanic right away.


      5. Pulling to One Side When Braking

      A perfectly aligned vehicle can drive straight ahead without pulling to one side but normal wear and tear will affect this. This can also happen        if you need new brakes and is another sign that you should get your brakes looked at by a mechanic.


      6. Puddle Under your Vehicle

      If you notice a small puddle of fluid after your car has been parked for a while, take notice. It can look similar to engine oil but leaking brake            fluid is a sign that you might need new brakes. 


      7. Wear and Tear You Can See

      Another way to check on the condition of your brake pads is simply by taking notice. You can see the brake pads between the wheel’s spokes.        If the pads are less than a quarter-inch thick, it’s time to take your vehicle to a mechanic. 


     Summary

     If you hear or see any of these 7 signs, R. H. Willson Auto Repair is here to help. Our experienced mechanics will be more than happy to look             over and maintain your vehicle for the summer and every season. Give us a call today.

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