Most of the time, your vehicle is a well-oiled machine — so when something is off, you can sense it. While strange odors and maneuverability issues are both red flags, Vito’s Auto Tech of Waterbury, CT, holds that sounds are just as telling. If your car makes any of the following noises when it comes to a stop, you may need brake repair.

3 Sounds That Often Point to the Need for Brake Repair

1. Thumping

Some drivers encounter a thumping noise when they hit the brake pedal, a noise which slows down as the car comes to a complete stop. This sound often points to warped rear drums. This brake type is used on rear axles because it’s less expensive, while disc brakes are used in front. Over time, circular drums can warp into ovals, causing a thumping sound as the extended piece hits other components in the braking system.

2. Squeaking

To stop your car, the brake pedal causes a set of pads to grab a set of discs. The friction between these two objects — brake pads and rotors — brings the spinning of your wheels to a halt. After many repeated stops, the brake pads will start to wear down. The squeaking noise you may hear is caused by worn down brake pads, stripped of their outer surfaces, clasping around the discs. This is a natural occurrence that is designed to signal drivers when to replace their brake pads.

3. Grinding

If you choose to ignore the high-pitched squealing sound, the friction-causing material coating the pads will continue to erode until it disappears. At this point, the brake pads will consist only of metal. As they grasp the rotors, which are also made of metal, the action will result in a severe grinding noise. If you hear this sound, your brake system is no longer warning you — it needs professional attention immediately.

If you encounter any of these noises while driving, head to Vito’s Auto Tech for fast and reliable brake repair. Their trusted team has been repairing vehicles for over 30 years, and they will continue to uphold their reputation when restoring your car to pristine condition. To schedule an appointment, call (203) 755-0020. You can also visit the website to learn more about their wide range of offerings, including engine diagnostics and tire sales.