Regular maintenance on your brakes is a must, but like any part, they may start to fail over time. Driving with worn, damaged, or failing brakes puts you and others on the road at risk for accidents, and waiting to have a problem inspected could lead to them failing entirely. Below are several signs to watch for that signal your brakes should be checked at a vehicle service center right away.

Warning Signs That Your Brakes Are Failing

1. Grinding Sound

Grinding noises when you apply the brake indicate something isn’t right. In this situation, the brake pads are either so worn that the rotor and caliper are grinding against each other, or there’s something stuck in the caliper. Left uncorrected, this can cause permanent damage to the calipers and rotor, requiring them to be replaced.

2. Shaking or Vibrating

If your car or steering wheel vibrates or shudders when you’re braking, this is also a problem. The rotor could be warped or too thin, which can cause your brakes to slip and struggle to maintain a solid grasp on it. Your caliper, which holds the brake pads against the rotor, could also be sticking, which is caused by the piston not releasing all the way when you stop braking.

3. Smoke or Burning Smell

Seeing or smelling smoke when braking indicates something is overheating. In this case, stop driving immediately to avoid damaging your entire braking system, as heat can make the brake fluid to boil. Overheating may be caused by old fluid or not enough fluid in your brake system, or by a caliper that has stuck in place and is continually pressing against the rotor. If your brakes are very worn, this may also cause smoke or burning, as the caliper and rotor grind against each other.

4. Delayed Response or Less Resistance

Your brake pedal shouldn’t go all the way to the floor. If you notice that there’s less resistance to it than usual, or that it takes longer than usual to stop your car, there could be moisture or air in the brake system where it shouldn’t be. This sign could also indicate that you have an air or fluid leak in your brake system.

Are your brakes telling you that something is wrong? Besides their large inventory of new and used cars, Crescent Ford in High Point, NC, also offers comprehensive maintenance and auto repairs at their vehicle service center, including collision repair, oil changes, tire rotations, and brake services. Learn more about brakes online, or call (336) 869-2181 to make an appointment at their vehicle service center today.