6 Signs Your Brakes Need Service

When it comes to ensuring the safety of your vehicle, one of the most important factors to consider is the condition of your brakes. Ignoring signs that your brakes may be faulty or worn can lead to potentially dangerous situations on the road. Here are some warning signs telling you to take your vehicle to your CDJR dealer for brake service.

You Hear Squealing

When brake pads start to wear thin, the metal underneath the rubber wears through, and it will usually make a squealing noise when you apply the brake. That squealing noise is the rotor making contact with the brake pad wear indicator, telling you it’s time for new brake pads. The squealing will be subtle at first but will get more intense if the pads aren’t replaced.

Visible Wear

You don’t have to be a mechanic to visibly check your brakes for wear and tear. Look through the spaces between your wheel’s spokes. You should be able to see the outer pad making contact with a metal rotor, and a minimum of 1/4 inch of pad visible. If you observe that the pad has less than 1/4 inch remaining, it’s probably time to get your brake pads replaced.

Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If you notice your vehicle veering to one side when you apply the brakes, it could be due to your brake linings are wearing down unevenly or that there is contamination in the brake fluid. You should schedule an appointment to get the issue addressed soon, as it may require a brake adjustment, brake fluid flushing, and/or fluid replacement.

Vehicle Vibrates

Though several issues could cause your vehicle to vibrate, there is a possibility the rotors are warped if the vibration is felt when the brakes are applied. Under these conditions, the brake pad cannot make even contact with the warped rotors.

You Hear Grinding

If you hear a grinding noise when you apply the brake, it’s possible your brake pads are worn down to the disc. This will cause an uneasy metal-on-metal friction between the disc and the caliper, resulting in an unpleasant grinding sound.

Brakes Not as Responsive

If you notice a decline in your brakes responsiveness, and/or you feel brake pedal sinking toward the floor, it could mean there is a leak within your brake system. This could be a brake fluid leak or a leak in the air hose, and should be serviced promptly.

Staying aware of these common brake issues is key to maintaining vehicle safety and performance. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent more costly repairs down the line. If your brakes are acting up, visit us at Oxendale CDJR in Cottonwood, AZ today.

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