Problems with Your Brakes? How to Tell When It's Time for Repairs
Whether you drive your car every day or a few times a week, you need your brakes to be up to the task. Proper maintenance ensures that your car has the necessary braking power to keep you and your family safe. Here are some tips that will help you know when it's time for brake repairs.
1. Your Brake Light has Come On
If you look at your dashboard when you start the car, you'll notice some indicator lights. Each light provides specific information. One of those lights is for your brake system. If your dashboard brake light has come on, don't waste valuable time. Take your car to a brake repair shop as quickly as possible. That indicator light is a clear sign that your brakes need to be repaired.
2. You're Burning Through Brake Fluid
If you think you have a problem with your brakes, watch the brake fluid. The levels shouldn't change much when your brakes are working properly. But, if you start burning through the brake fluid, you need to worry. This is particularly true if you need to add brake fluid more frequently than your owner's manual recommendations. Once you get to that point, take your car in for repairs right away.
3. Your Brakes Don't Feel Even
If your brakes are in good condition all the way around, your car will brake evenly. That means you won't feel any pull from side to side. You also won't feel any vibration under your foot. If your car doesn't brake evenly, your brakes need an inspection right away. Pulling to either side when you apply the brake could be a sign that your brakes are failing.
4. Your Car Takes Longer to Stop
If you've had your car for a while, you know how long it takes to come to a complete stop. It's that knowledge that helps you determine when you need to apply the brakes while you're driving. If you've noticed that your car now takes longer to come to a complete stop, see your mechanic as soon as possible. The extra stopping time is a sign that your brakes are wearing out. You also need to be aware of instances when your braking power lags or is sporadic. Those are also signs of impending brake problems.
5. Your Mechanic Recommends It
If your mechanic has recommended that you have your brakes repaired or replaced, don't wait. Your mechanic can determine how much life your brakes have left in them. If you postpone the recommended service, your brakes could fail.
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