Signs Your Brakes Need to Be Replaced

Your brakes are arguably the most important part of your vehicle’s safety. When you hit your brake pedal, there’s a complex network of moving parts that need to work properly to stop your vehicle. If any of them fail, you may find yourself unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.

When it comes to brake maintenance, the most common task you’ll encounter is a brake pad replacement. Your brake pads are designed to wear down over time, so it’s important to pay attention to any signs that they are worn in order to ensure your vehicle is safe.  Schedule a service appointment today.

Here are the signs your brakes need to be replaced:

Squealing

Squealing brakes could be caused by something as simple as a thin layer of rust on your rotor that wears off as you drive, but it could also be a sign your brake pads are worn. Most brake pads are built with metal wear indicators located near the top of your brake pads. When the pad wears down, these indicators rub against your rotor and create that squealing sound, which is designed to let you know that your brake pads are dangerously low and need to be replaced.

Why are My Brakes Squeaking?

Clicking

Your brake pads are held onto your wheel by bolts, pins, or clips, which is meant to keep them from sliding out of place. If the hardware around them becomes damaged or loosened, they’ll rattle around inside your wheel. This can cause a clicking sound when you apply the brakes, which needs to be corrected to ensure your brakes work properly.

Longer Stopping Distance

As your brake pads wear down, they become less effective at creating the necessary friction to stop your car. This could result in longer stopping distances than usual, and this isn’t something you want to have happen during an emergency braking situation.

This could also happen if you “ride” the brakes often, such as in areas with a lot of hills, which can damage your brake components and reduce their effectiveness over time.

Whatever the cause, if you notice that it takes you longer to stop than usual, it’s time to make an appointment for a brake pad inspection or replacement.

Pulling to One Side

Your brake pads don’t always wear at an even rate, which can cause your vehicle to pull to the right or left while braking. This is usually subtle, but still a sign that something is amiss and needs your attention. If you ignore the problem, the added stress on your steering components can result in an expensive repair, so be sure to have your vehicle inspected at the first sign of pulling to one side.

Vibration

If your brake pedal vibrates when you step on it, it could mean that the adhesive holding your brake pad together is deteriorating. This occurs when your brake pad becomes worn and overheats, which causes the adhesive to spread on the rotor unevenly. The result is a vibration in your pedal and ineffective brakes.

Schedule Your Service Appointment at Montgomeryville Nissan

If you notice any of these signs your brakes need to be replaced while you’re driving through Lansdale or Doylestown, stop by Montgomeryville Nissan. Our service technicians will be happy to help you with all your automotive repair needs, including brake service and replacement, so visit us today to schedule your appointment!