There are some vehicle maintenance jobs you should never put off. At the top of this list is brake repair. According to the auto repair specialists at Hillis 66 Service in Lincoln, NE, neglecting worn brakes can compromise your car’s ability to stop, put your safety in jeopardy, and cost you more in vehicle repairs down the line. The good news is there are some easy-to-spot signs that can warn you it’s time to have your brakes serviced.

3 Signs It’s Time for Brake Repair

1. You Hear Unusual Noises

When brake pads wear, a special indicator in the material gets exposed. This indicator elicits a high-pitched noise to warn the driver the friction material is below specification. Beyond this squeal, you should listen for an unmistakable grinding noise. If you hear and feel a rumble when applying the brake, it is a sure sign your brake calipers are grinding against the rotors and need service.

2. Your Vehicle Doesn’t Stop Like It Used To

Knowing you have reliable braking performance is a must every time you get behind the wheel. However, worn brakes can compromise your car’s ability to come to a stop in a timely manner. This is known as “brake fade” and can occur when your pads lose friction over time — often from applying the brake for prolonged, uninterrupted periods of time.

3. Your Car Pulls to One Side

Your vehicle’s pads should wear in a uniform fashion. Sometimes, though, one set of pads wears quicker than the other. When this happens, your car will drift slightly to one side or the other when the brake is applied. This may not seem like a huge problem, but this imbalance can put added stress on your steering components.

Spotting brake repair needs before they cause problems takes some attention to detail while on the road. Next time you take your car out, pay attention to how it sounds and performs during braking events. If you’re experiencing any of the above problems, contact the auto maintenance experts at Hillis 66 Service by calling (402)474-2891 or visiting them online.