You’re cruising down the I-5 from Los Angeles to San Diego when your car starts making strange, screeching sounds. Sure, you’ve left the City Of Angels, but that’s no reason for it to sound like a screaming demon. You recall hearing some squeaks when you were heading along Santa Monica Boulevard yesterday, but the brake light indicator on your dashboard tells you that ignoring that wasn’t a good move. So what are the warning signs that it's time for a brake repair? Read on to find out!
Six Signs Your Brakes Need To Be Checked
- Brake Light
This one is a no-brainer; your dashboard has a light that’ll warn you. If it’s on, it’s a good idea to take it in for regular maintenance since it can alert you to a potential problem. In some cars, this might also mean that the parking brake is on, so check that your handbrake is down.
- Squeals, Squeaks and Grinding Noises
If your car is making high-pitched sounds when you brake, it’s likely to mean that her brake pads or brake callipers need replacing. If ignored, the squeals will turn into the grind of metal on metal, which means that the braking system including the rotors might be damaged already. Don’t let it get to that stage; fix it when it’s just a $100-300 brake repair rather than waiting, risking your safety and paying over $800!
- No Resistance While Braking
If your brakes feel soft or spongy, it’s time for a brake replacement. The resistance you feel when you apply them is exactly what makes the brakes work. If you don’t feel that, or if you feel that the brakes aren’t as responsive as you’d like, it’s a fairly simple and quick fix.
- Lopsided or Juddering Stops
If you find your car swerving to the left or right when you stop, it’s likely that one of the brake pads is more worn down than the other. Similarly, if your car or steering wheel vibrates or wobbles when you brake, that might be a sign that your rotor is uneven. Left unchecked, it’ll just get more wobbly and make you shudder at every traffic signal and stop sign.
- Brake Fluid Leakage
Brake fluid creates a hydraulic pressure against the brake calipers to make stopping safe. You ought to check your brake fluid levels regularly to be sure everything’s in order. If you notice that the levels have dropped or if it seems to be leaking, Wrench is happy to fix it for you.
- Burning Odors
Is there a sharp, chemical odor when you brake? That could mean that the brakes are overheating. Pull over, let the brakes cool and check the wheels for smoke. This means that the brake caliper is locked in and your car needs immediate brake repairs before you can proceed.
So what can you do?
You're probably wondering how you’re going to get that urgent help, right? Brake repairs are fairly easy if you have all the parts and expertise you need. Most of us aren’t pros, and we don’t carry an arsenal of spares in our trunk. You could call a tow truck, but that’ll take ages and cost a bomb.
Or you could reach out to Wrench and we’ll be happy to send a certified expert mechanic to you, wherever you are and whenever you need one. You’re sure of what it’ll cost you because we stand by our quotes, and it won’t be long before you’re back on the road.
At Wrench, we understand the importance of repair services that is genuine, available, accessible, timely, and affordable. We deliver professional and expert services at your doorstep. We’ve got a team of certified experts and ace mechanics to take care of all your automotive service needs. We ensure that you avoid the hassle and the worries of the breakdowns and most importantly, our services are backed with warranty.