As brakes stop a car in motion, maintaining the braking system is a crucial aspect of vehicle safety. If you fall behind with routine brake service, you’re bound to experience problems behind the wheel. The issues can be obvious or subtle, so below are a few ways to gauge whether repairs are required. 

How to Tell Your Brakes Need to be Fixed

1. Pulling

Alignment issues aren’t the only reasons cars pull to the left or right. If you notice this issue, a brake service technician should inspect the calipers. If one is stuck, the brake pad will only partially disengage from the rotor. This means that the brakes are always partially engaged when you’re driving, causing the steering wheel to turn left or right when you’re trying to drive straight or stop. Stuck calipers also create friction, which makes wheels incredibly hot. After you turn off the car, place your hand near the wheels to check for excess heat. 

2. Odd Noises

If you hear strange noises when you take your foot off or apply pressure to the brake pedal, have a professional look at your brakes. A squealing that goes away when you press on the pedal could indicate the need for new brake pads. When the pads are too thin, a metal tab pokes out of the material. The sound it creates when scraping against the rotor is meant to alert drivers pads need to be replaced. If the clips, pins, or bolts holding pads in place are loose, you’ll hear a clicking commotion as the components move around in the holding compartment. 

3. Vibrating

Under normal braking conditions, you shouldn’t feel vibrations when you apply pressure to the pedal. The odd pulsating could be caused by a damaged rotor. Heat causes rotors to warp out of shape. When the surface is uneven, brakes won’t grip the metal properly, causing noticeable vibrations.

Whether you are due for routine brake service or notice a problem that needs to be addressed, the experienced auto mechanics at L & B Auto Repair are available to lend a hand. Serving motorists throughout Western Brooklyn, NY, since 1992, the crew at this family-owned and -operated auto repair shop will provide solutions to keep your investment running smoothly. For an appointment, call (718) 398-6228. See a list of their available services online, and leave a review on Yelp.