When you hit the brake pedal, you expect your car to stop smoothly, quietly, and in a straight line. Brake problems are particularly serious — while some issues might prevent your car from starting, brake failures can lead to immediate and dangerous consequences.
The Signs of Bad Brakes
You can often identify the issue by paying attention to how your car behaves and knowing how to check brake pads and other components. Always address brake problems as soon as possible. If you experience any of the symptoms below, take your car to a professional immediately.
Brake Noise, From Squealing to Grinding
Squealing or squeaking typically means the brake pads have worn down to the wear indicators — small metal tabs designed to alert you when it’s time for replacement.
Grinding, on the other hand, is a much more urgent problem. It usually means the brake pads are nearly gone, and the metal backing is pressing directly on the rotors. Continuing to drive with grinding brakes can cause severe damage to the rotors and lead to costly repairs.
A Wobbling, Vibrating Steering Wheel During Braking
Your steering wheel (or even your seat) should never shake when you apply the brakes. If it does, you may have a warped or unevenly worn rotor. When brake pads clamp down on a warped rotor, the uneven surface creates a vibration that you can feel throughout the car.
Keep in mind that similar sensations can come from worn ball joints or unbalanced tires — but these issues typically cause vibrations at certain speeds or over bumps, not just when braking.
Spongy Brake Feel
If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, there may be air in the brake lines. Possible causes include a poorly performed brake job, a failing master cylinder, or a brake line leak. You’ll know it’s a leak if you spot light yellow, brown, or black fluid near the lines.
Fixing this can be messy and tricky — working with brake fluid requires precision. It’s best to leave this one to a professional technician.
Burning Odors
If you notice a metallic, smoky, or chemical smell while driving, your brakes may be overheating. This could be due to leaving the emergency brake on or a caliper that’s sticking and rubbing against a rotor.
Inspecting Your Brakes
Start your inspection by looking at the brake pads through the spokes or with the wheel removed. If the wear indicator groove is the same width as the pads or the pads are thinner than ¼”, it’s time for pad replacement.
Check the pads for cracks and uneven wear. Look for parts that are loose or separating and spreading rust or corrosion. Inspect the master cylinder for leaks and check the color of the fluid. Brake fluid should be clear and yellow. If it’s brown or black, it’s time for a change.
Preventive Maintenance
Protect your brakes from wear with these tips:
- Keep the tires in excellent condition
- Top off low brake fluid with the correct type (DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1)
- Schedule regular maintenance with a trustworthy shop
- Test your brakes in secluded or safe locations
- Don’t DIY solutions for jobs that require professionals
- Avoid riding your brakes
- Reduce vehicle weight by unloading unnecessary items
Pay attention to what your brakes are doing; they’ll reward you for your care and caution.
Never Ignore Brake Issues
Don’t wait for a total failure to address brake problems. Delaying repairs can lead to costly damage across the braking system and put your safety at risk.
Turn to Van Wyk Auto for Your Brake Needs
When you need a reliable and affordable brake repair service, you need a trustworthy mechanic to get you back on the road! Don’t let brake problems ruin your drive; contact Van Wyk Auto right away for expert brake repair.