Three Signs That It's Time To Schedule A Brake Job

While some components on your vehicle can wear out with little or no notice, the good news about your brakes is that they'll provide you with plenty of signs of their imminent demise. As a driver, it's important to be able to catch these indicators so that you can schedule a brake job at your local auto shop in a timely manner. Continuing to drive on failing brakes can put you at risk, given that they'll reach a point that they provide poor braking response and leave you with an inability to stop your vehicle promptly. Here are three signs that it's best to schedule a brake job.

Loud Noises While Braking

One of the easiest ways to be able to tell that your brakes are reaching the end of their life is through the noises that they'll emit during the braking process. An initial noise that you'll typically hear is a squeal; brakes are specifically designed to have "squealers," which are small pieces of metal that will rub once the pads reach a certain amount of wear. Upon hearing this noise, it's time to schedule your brake job. If left unattended, the squealing can often give way to a grinding or a crunching sound; this sound occurs when the pads are dangerously thin.

Uneven Braking Response

When your brakes are in optimal condition, they'll slow your vehicle in a smooth manner based on the amount of pressure that you're exerting on the brake pedal. When worn—and particularly when your brake rotors are warped—you'll have an uneven braking response. One common thing to notice is somewhat of a pulsing or a lurching sensation as the vehicle slows down. This is a sign that you'll need to have your rotors either repaired or replaced. Ignoring warped rotors can damage your pads, so it's best to schedule your brake job as soon as you notice this symptom.

Pushing Left Or Right

If your vehicle's front end is in proper alignment, you should be able to apply the brakes and slow down to a stop without leaving your original driving line. If you notice that your vehicle is pushing to the left or the right upon applying the brakes, it's indicative of brakes that aren't worn evenly. It's best to have this problem addressed right away to avoid the risks inherent with driving a vehicle that can be challenging to control during the braking process.

Visit a brake service technician, such as Big Mechanic, for professional brake repairs.

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