Your brake system is a crucial system that shouldn’t be ignored. You rely on it to keep you safe on the road and it relies on you to keep it maintained. If you’ve gone too long between brake inspections, the brakes will tell you so. Here are signs that your vehicle’s brakes are overdue for a service and it’s important to bring it to us right away. You don’t want your brakes to go out when you need to stop. Check out what the pros at York Tire & Auto Service have to say about it.
Noise Is a Common Signal
Your brakes will make sounds when they aren’t operating efficiently. They may grind or screech when you slow down and stop. The brakes are making this sound because there are parts that need to be replaced. If they grind, for example, the brake pads and shoes are worn down. If you don’t replace these parts quickly, they will cause damage to your brake discs and drums, which is an expensive repair.
Vibration Means Trouble
You should never feel your brake pedal vibrate when you step on the brakes. You shouldn’t feel your steering wheel vibrate, either. If you do feel vibration each time you brake, the brake pads have likely warped the rotors. The rotors take a lot of abuse when the pads are pushed up against them to stop your car, truck, or SUV. Over time, they warp as a result of the constant friction and heat.
Stopping Distance Can Change
Another sign your brakes need servicing is your vehicle’s stopping distance. When the brake parts are worn down, or when you need to have the brake fluid replaced, it will take you longer to stop your car, truck, or SUV. You may also notice your pedal feels squishy or gives and takes more than normal. This could mean you have air in your brake lines and this can make it impossible to stop your vehicle.
Stop if You Smell Something Burning
Finally, if your brakes start to overheat, you’ll smell hot chemicals. This puts you in a very dangerous situation, so it’s best to park your vehicle in the nearest safe place as quickly as possible. Overheated brakes fail; you won’t be able to stop your car, truck, or SUV with overheated brakes. If the smell is really bad, call for a tow truck to take you to the automotive service shop. Better safe than sorry.
At York Tire & Auto Service in Red Lion, PA, we are a full-service shop and our certified technicians can inspect, maintain, and repair your brakes. Call us today for an appointment.
