If your brakes aren’t working properly, odds are that you’re not going anywhere in your car. Stopping is a crucial safety feature in your car. Allman’s Automotive wants to help you to recognize when there might be a problem with your brake system so that you can get them inspected right away.
Pulling to One Side While Braking
A common issue with brakes is that you apply pressure to the brake pedal and then you find that you’re suddenly fighting the steering wheel. This is called pulling, and depending on how severe it is it can be very dangerous. If this is something you’re just now experiencing and it’s severe already, you really shouldn’t put off having your brakes inspected.
Brakes That Smell Hot or Overheat
When your brakes aren’t working as well as they should be, they might be straining. That can cause overheating, which is a huge problem. A too hot brake system affects the parts on each wheel, of course, but it can also affect the brake fluid. Hot brake fluid is not going to work as well to apply pressure where it’s needed, which can lead to complete brake failure.
Brake Fluid Leaking
Another problem with brake fluid is that it can leak. That’s a huge problem because your brake system relies on hydraulic pressure to apply the force necessary to the brake rotor to stop your car. A little leak isn’t necessarily an emergency situation, but it’s important to have your brakes checked. If you ever see a large puddle of brake fluid under your car, it’s best not to drive that car at all.
Vibrations as You’re Braking
Normally braking should be a smooth process. If you’re feeling vibrations as you apply the brakes, that’s a sign that there’s something going on with them. As you’re braking harder or from a faster speed, you might notice that the vibrations are more pronounced. Typically this means that the brake rotor is uneven or warped, but there could be other causes, too.
Soft or Non-existent Brakes
There’s a lot of trust involved in driving a car. When you press the brake pedal, for example, you trust and expect that your brakes are going to catch and the car is going to stop. If the pedal is a lot squishier than usual or goes all the way to the floorboard, that’s an indication that your brakes are not functional. Pull over and don’t drive if you’re unable to trust your brakes.
Allman’s Automotive wants you to be safe in your vehicle. Give us a call today at our Groveland, MA location and we’ll be happy to set up an appointment to inspect your brakes for you.