More than 1.35 million people each year succumb to fatal road accidents, globally. What’s more, up to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries that leave them with a disability. But the real tragedy is that all of these accidents are totally avoidable. Some of the most common causes of road crashes include poor road infrastructure, non-road-worthy vehicles, and driver negligence. But the truth is, much of the responsibility of arriving safely at a destination falls on you. It’s important to ask yourself how roadworthy your vehicle is, so check out this guide on when to replace brakes.
1. Screeching Brakes
This is generally the very first sign that your car brakes need some attention. In short, your brake pads need replacing as they’ve worn down and no longer serve their purpose.
The end result is metal scraping on metal when you press down on them, hence, the screeching/squealing noise. Over time, this screeching sound could develop into a deeper, grinding sound. This is when you know your brake pads are about to give up the ghost.
If you neglect to replace your brake pads you could end up damaging your brake rotors, which only drives up the cost of your brake repair.
2. Steering Wheel Vibration
Just so we’re clear — your steering wheel should not shake or vibrate, no matter how fast you’re driving. If it does, especially when you’re coming to a stop, this is another sign that your brakes need attention.
Often the vibration is a result of brake rotor warping. This can also impact your wheel alignment over time, and wear down your brake pads in a flash. It’s best to seek out the help of a professional before the situation becomes worse than it is!
3. Labored Stopping
No one wants to face the nightmare of needing to stop their car quickly, only to find their brakes don’t work. If you feel like your car’s reaction time to stopping is not the same as it was, this is another red flag.
This points to a loss of performance in your brakes. It could result from a number of things, but worn down brake pads or low brake fluid are common culprits. Don’t leave this issue unattended for too long otherwise you could be living your worst nightmare!
4. Look for the Brake System Warning Light
The majority of modern vehicles today actually have a mechanism that tells you it’s time to replace your brake pads. This warning light will appear on your car’s dashboard when it’s time. There are two key indicator lights that matter — your Antilock Braking System (ABS), and the brake system warning light.
Your brake system warning light looks the same as your parking brake light, so it’s easy to confuse the two. But if this light comes on when you’re not using your parking brake, this is your sign it’s time for brake pad replacement.
When to Replace Brakes, Car Maintenance, Upgrades, and More
If you found this article on when to replace brakes helpful, there’s plenty more where it came from! Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking to improve your auto general knowledge, this site is for you.
Explore for more on all things auto maintenance, upgrades, bikes, trucks, RC vehicles, and more.
A Complete Guide on When to Replace Brakes
More than 1.35 million people each year succumb to fatal road accidents, globally. What’s more, up to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries that leave them with a disability. But the real tragedy is that all of these accidents are totally avoidable.
Some of the most common causes of road crashes include poor road infrastructure, non-road-worthy vehicles, and driver negligence. But the truth is, much of the responsibility of arriving safely at a destination falls on you.
It’s important to ask yourself how roadworthy your vehicle is, so check out this guide on when to replace brakes.
1. Screeching Brakes
This is generally the very first sign that your car brakes need some attention. In short, your brake pads need replacing as they’ve worn down and no longer serve their purpose.
The end result is metal scraping on metal when you press down on them, hence, the screeching/squealing noise. Over time, this screeching sound could develop into a deeper, grinding sound. This is when you know your brake pads are about to give up the ghost.
If you neglect to replace your brake pads you could end up damaging your brake rotors, which only drives up the cost of your brake repair.
2. Steering Wheel Vibration
Just so we’re clear — your steering wheel should not shake or vibrate, no matter how fast you’re driving. If it does, especially when you’re coming to a stop, this is another sign that your brakes need attention.
Often the vibration is a result of brake rotor warping. This can also impact your wheel alignment over time, and wear down your brake pads in a flash. It’s best to seek out the help of a professional before the situation becomes worse than it is!
3. Labored Stopping
No one wants to face the nightmare of needing to stop their car quickly, only to find their brakes don’t work. If you feel like your car’s reaction time to stopping is not the same as it was, this is another red flag.
This points to a loss of performance in your brakes. It could result from a number of things, but worn down brake pads or low brake fluid are common culprits. Don’t leave this issue unattended for too long otherwise you could be living your worst nightmare!
4. Look for the Brake System Warning Light
The majority of modern vehicles today actually have a mechanism that tells you it’s time to replace your brake pads. This warning light will appear on your car’s dashboard when it’s time. There are two key indicator lights that matter — your Antilock Braking System (ABS), and the brake system warning light.
Your brake system warning light looks the same as your parking brake light, so it’s easy to confuse the two. But if this light comes on when you’re not using your parking brake, this is your sign it’s time for brake pad replacement.
When to Replace Brakes, Car Maintenance, Upgrades, and More
If you found this article on when to replace brakes helpful, there’s plenty more where it came from! Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking to improve your auto general knowledge, this site is for you.
Explore for more on all things auto maintenance, upgrades, bikes, trucks, RC vehicles, and more.
