4 Signs Your Car’s Brakes Need Replacing

Maintaining and knowing when your brakes need replacing is essential for your safety and others on the roads. You never know when you need to stop quickly in an emergency. In order to save time and money, it’s important to learn the the signs that your cars braking system needs attention. This could mean new brake pads, shoes, drums, disks or calipers. Below are the most common signs:

1. Brake Noise When Stopping

Noise when braking is common, and it can either mean that your brakes are dirty or that your brake pads are worn down. Your brakes probably just need cleaning if you hear soft squeaking when stopping but the performance is unaffected. However, if you hear loud squeaking or a scraping sound then it’s probably because your brake pads or shoes have worn down and the metal is scraping against the disc or drum. If this is the case you should book in urgently as it can affect your ability to stop safely.

2. The Pedal Feels Soft When Braking

This is often caused by a lack of braking pressure. It can be very disconcerting, as you’ll need to press the brake pedal further to stop the vehicle. The cause is usually leaking calipers, brake cylinders or air in the braking system. The lack of pressure can mean that the vehicle takes longer to stop, so be sure to get a mechanic to check it out as soon as possible.

3. The Steering Wheel Shakes/Shudders When Braking

This is a common issue, a shaking steering wheel is usually a sign of a warped brake disc. This can be fixed by having the disc replaced. It’s best to get it fixed quickly, though, to stay safe.

4. The Car Pulls To One Side

Your car pulls to one side when the brake lines are damaged or uneven. If you can feel the brakes dragging, then the likely cause is contaminated fluid in the system, or brakes that haven’t been adjusted properly. These issues can be dangerous, particularly if you have to stop suddenly. It’s always best to have your car looked at by a qualified mechanic to determine if your brakes need replacing.

We understand that your car plays an important part of your daily life, transporting you and your loved ones. Michanic is dedicated to providing the most convenient services for our customers, so if you think your brakes need replacing or if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your car, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email at [email protected], or by phone on 087 803 9000.

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