Don’t Mistake These Brake Failure Warning Signs

You press the brake. The car fails to stop. Your family is instantly at risk, and you have no idea what to do. To avoid these types of scenarios, you absolutely have to consider the importance of routine brake inspections. Knowing the brake failure warning signs is a good way for you to prevent the onset of failures later. That could mean protecting your family from risks like this.

Brake Damage Can Occur Undetected

It is not always easy to spot brake wear and tear until your vehicle is approaching a more serious level of repair needs. Almost all vehicle manufacturers provide specific requirements for how often you should have the brakes inspected and repaired – and you should not fall outside of those rules.

However, the reality is that many people are busy, and it’s easy to put off repair needs until there is an obvious problem.

Brakes wear down over time, though through regular use. Routine replacement is a necessary part of the process of maintaining your car.

Do You Know The Warning Signs of a Failure?

What’s most important for you as a vehicle owner is to be sure that you know the brake failure warning signs. Do you know what to watch for? Here are some specific things to look out for before your brakes actually fail.

• The ABS light comes on: This is the brake failure warning light on your dashboard. When it lights up, that means there is a sensor within your braking system that is indicating a failure is possible. Get to the auto repair shop soon with this type of warning.
• The pedal is soft and low to the ground: This means the brake is already very worn out. You should not drive the vehicle much when the brake is like this, but instead, you should get to the repair shop.
• Squealing and other noises when stopping: That means there is a likelihood that the brakes are wearing thin. You may need repairs and replacement soon in this situation.
• Grinding sounds when stepping on the brake: Grinding sounds from brakes are never a good sign, and a quick repair is best to ensure you’re not paying for extensive repairs and replacements later.
• Shaking when stepping on the brake: This can mean that there is too much pressure built up in the system. You need an inspection to pinpoint what is occurring in this situation.

Does it take longer for you to stop the car when you hit the brake? Do you feel like the steering wheel is shaking when you try to stop? Do you find the car making strange noises even when you are stopped at a red light? These all indicate that your brakes need an inspection and potential replacement. The longer you put off getting these repairs, the more problematic it can be, and the higher the risk is that you will suffer a brake failure that puts yourself and your family at risk. Let’s avoid that by coming in for routine brake service.

Schedule a Brake Repair Appointment with Our Technicians Today

To protect your brakes, bring your car into Autoworks Service & Repair in Prescott, Arizona, for repairs. That’s critical to do if you notice any of the brake failure warning signs discussed here or if you have not had your brakes inspected in the last six months. An inspection only takes minutes. Call 928-628-6898 now to learn more about getting your car’s brakes inspected.