Malley Group

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Your Guide to Brake Warning Signs: Stay Safe, Be Informed

Ensuring the functionality of your brake system is a critical aspect of vehicle safety and maintenance. Brakes aren't merely about stopping your vehicle; they're about controlled stopping, maintaining your vehicle's stability, and protecting you from potential accidents. Familiarising yourself with the tell-tale signs that your brakes need attention is paramount for any car owner or enthusiast.

Reduced Stopping Ability

The initial sign to watch out for is reduced stopping ability. If your car doesn't stop as efficiently as it once did, it's a sure-fire indicator that there's an issue with your brakes. This reduction in performance can stem from worn brake pads, fluid leaks, or worn rotors – all of which require immediate attention to ensure the safety and drivability of your vehicle.

Swerving or Pulling while braking

Experiencing swerving or pulling when brakes are applied is another red flag that can't be ignored. Swerving may indicate uneven brake wear or could suggest a potential brake fluid leakage. This unpredictability could result in hazardous driving situations, hence the necessity for immediate attention.

Vibrations or Pulsations

The occurrence of vibration or pulsation when applying brakes might be the result of warped rotors. Over time, heat generated by braking can distort the flat surface of the rotors, causing your car to vibrate when the brakes are applied. Such vibrations might not just reduce your control over the vehicle but can also exacerbate brake wear, further compounding the issue.

Sticky or Hard brake Pedal

Similarly, a sticky or hard brake pedal is a warning signal to get your brake system inspected. If your brake pedal becomes tough to press down or gets stuck in place, it can signify issues with the master cylinder, potentially indicating a lack of brake fluid pressure.

Excessive Noise

Hearing excessive noise while braking – such as squealing, grinding, or squeaking sounds – can indicate various issues. Grinding noises typically suggest worn-out brake pads, requiring immediate replacement. Conversely, squeaking or squealing can occur when brake pads vibrate against the rotors. In both scenarios, addressing the issue early prevents damage to the rotors and keeps repair costs low.

Brake Light On

In some cases, your vehicle's built-in warning system will do the alerting for you. If your brake light is illuminated on your dashboard, don't take it lightly. It's there to signal a potential problem in the braking system – be it low fluid levels, worn pads or an impending mechanical fault.

Brake Pedal Feel

If your brake pedal appears spongy or sinks to the floor it suggests a lack of hydraulic pressure in your brake system, potentially due to leaks in the brake line. On the flip side, if your brake pedal feels unusually hard, it might point to a problem with the brake booster, preventing enough power from reaching the brakes.

While it's vital to understand these warning signs, acknowledging them isn't enough – taking action is key. Ignoring these symptoms might not just be costly but dangerous as well, possibly leading to brake failure or accidents.

Ensure you maintain your vehicle's braking system regularly, as neglect can lead to many of these warning signs occurring. Regular servicing and professional inspection of brake fluid levels, brake pad and rotor condition, and the entire braking system, in general, can go a long way towards extending your vehicle's lifespan and safety.

Keeping yourself educated on the vital components of your vehicle – such as its braking system – enables you to spot potential problems early on. As always, prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to ensuring the reliability of your vehicle.

At Malley Group, we are fully qualified to inspect, repair and replace your braking system. If you notice any noise, vibration or swerving when braking, or if your brake warning light comes on, don't wait! Call us or book online to have your brakes inspected today!

Stay aware, be safe and continue enjoying your driving experience with confidence with regular servicing at Malley Group in Karratha