One of your vehicle’s most important operating features is the brakes. When brakes fail, it can be devastating and lead to varying kinds of accidents. The braking system of a vehicle uses a few different components such as brake pads, braking fluid and more. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic will share some of the top signs that you should get your brakes checked to help ensure safety.

Clunking or Scraping Noise when Braking

Any time your brakes make an odd or abnormal sound, such as grinding, squeaking or thumping, get the brakes checked immediately. These classic sounds are never good and often point to a major problem with your brakes.

Brake Fluid Leak

It is never good to see your vehicle’s brake fluid dripping from underneath your vehicle. Braking fluid looks much like motor oil but is more of a yellow color. The braking fluid is essential as it is needed to engage the braking system of the vehicle. If braking fluid is leaking and there isn’t adequate braking fluid in the vehicle, the vehicle should not be driven. If needed, have the vehicle towed to your preferred mechanic.

Vehicle Stopping Distance; Brakes Take Too Long to Stop

One common sign that there is a major problem occurring in the braking system, is when it takes longer or more distance to stop the vehicle. A longer stopping distance often occurs when the brake pads need to be replaced or is an early warning sign that there is a leak in the braking fluid line. Similar feel is when a different resistance sensation occurs when braking. Most people become very accustomed to their vehicle and how much pressure it takes to slow down or stop their vehicle. When the braking resistance changes, this too is often an early sign of slight leaking.

Vibration in Brake Pedal

While braking and should you feel a vibration in the pedal, this is often a problem in the braking rotor. Sometimes the vibration can shake the wheel and the entire vehicle as well. If the braking rotor becomes warped, damaged, or bent, when the pad compresses, the rotor will vibrate. The rotor will need to be replaced to ensure proper function of the braking system.

Failure to Control Vehicle

You might feel you have poorer control or handling while driving. For example, a healthy brake system won’t affect the driving of the vehicle. However, bad brakes can cause the vehicle to suddenly pull to a side when applying the brakes. This is not only scary but hazardous. This sudden pulling or loss of control can occur when there is low braking fluid or if a foreign object has gotten stuck in the wheel.

Burning Rubber Smell While Driving

If you smell a burning rubber like odor while driving, this is a sign that something is wrong, and it could be the brakes. As brake pads have worn down the pads could be creating the burning odor. Brake pads do require replacement from time to time. If you’re smelling a burning odor your pad replacement is far pass due.

Brake Repair, Replacement of Pads & Components, Rotor & Drum Resurfacing, Brake Fluid Flush Service & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)

To prevent braking problems, it is recommended to have the braking system inspected by your mechanic every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. The braking fluid should also be replaced about every two years or 30,000 miles. If it is time to have your vehicle’s braking system serviced, contact Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic today.