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Are Your Car’s Brakes About To Fail?
1st July 2009
Are Your Car’s Brakes About To Fail?
Most of us take our vehicle’s brakes for granted. We rely upon them every time we drive, yet neglect to think about them until we notice problems. Even when warning signs manifest, we ignore them, hoping they’ll dissipate. Wear and tear only grows worse with time; eventually, braking systems fail entirely and put the driver, passengers, and other motorists at risk.
Fortunately, your car has ways of alerting you when its brakes are having problems. It’s important to be able to identify the telltale signs before small issues grow into major repair bills. Below, I’ll provide a roadmap of the warning signs your vehicle will produce when the braking assembly is in need of attention.
Warning Signs That Suggest A Problem
There are a number of ways in which your car’s braking ability can suffer. First, consider how your vehicle comes to a stop. The pads squeeze the rotor, slowing it down. Friction generates heat. After years of operation, it’s not uncommon for the recurring exposure to heat to harden the pads. That affects the pads’ ability to grab the rotor effectively.
That same intense heat can also create hot spots on the rotor itself. These hot spots create resistance to the friction generated by the pads. That prevents the braking assembly from slowing your vehicle properly.
Another warning sign is squealing. When the pads wear down, there’s generally more metal exposed. As they clamp down onto the metal rotor, the friction between the exposed metal produces a squeal. If you hear it, don’t ignore it. The pads need to be replaced. If you wait, you’ll eventually hear grinding, which can damage your rotor.
Let’s return to the heat created by friction within your braking assembly. As noted, it can cause hardening in the pads as well as hot spots on the rotor. It can also cause warping on the latter. The warping manifests as a pulsing feeling when you press your brake pedal. If you feel it, that usually means you’ll need to have a mechanic resurface the rotor.
If your car has disc brakes, you might hear a clicking sound while driving. This issue has been around for decades and it’s relatively easy to resolve. It happens due to the loose-fitting caliper that helps the discs apply pressure to the rotor. Even though automakers install connecting devices that are supposed to tighten the fit, they wear down and crumble over time. When they do, you’ll hear clicking.
Watch Your ABS Indicator
Most vehicles that come off the factory floor today are equipped with anti-lock brakes. If anything goes wrong with them, an ABS indicator light will display on the dashboard. The issue that triggers the light might be minor (for example, a worn plug) or serious. If you notice it, have an auto technician take a look. Not only can you catch problems before they turn into expensive repair bills, but you’ll ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.
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