Maintaining your brakes is not only important for your safety, but also for the long-term health of your vehicle.
It shouldn’t be ignored, but a lot of times it is.
If you take regular care of your brakes, it helps prevent repair costs in the future and keeps your car in the best form to avoid collisions. Obviously the more you drive, the more wear on the brakes, which results in a shorter lifespan of them.
What you want to look at is the condition of the brake pads. If you need new brake pads, they can be purchased at automotive parts shops, your local mechanic or even online at websites like eBay.
Here are five warning signs you need new brakes, according to Savage Hybrid Shop, a leading auto repair shop in Philadelphia.
1. Pulsating brakes – When a brake pedal is pulsating, it’s vibrating when you press on the brake with your foot. Brakes pulsate when the brake pads are worn out or warped due to heat.
2. Clicking Noise – When the brakes begin to make a rattling or clicking noise upon depression of the brakes, this is a sign that your brake pads need to be replaced.
3. Screeching Sound – In addition to the clicking noise, you might also hear a high-pitched, screeching sound when you depress your brakes. There’s also the possibility that you hear this noise because when a car is exposed to water while idle, the moisture causes a thin layer of rust to lay over the brake rotor. Once the rust wears off, the sound dissipates, but if it’s constant, then you need to consider replacing your brake pads.
4. Brake pads appear thin – For a visual indication that you need new brake pads, look between the spokes of your car wheel. The outside brake pad is visible because the material is pressed against the metal rotor. If you see less than one-fourth of an inch of the pad, then your brakes are too thin.
5. Your Car Pulls – If your car is pulling to one side or the other without the need of a steering wheel, often this means that the current brake pads are wearing unevenly.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to bring your car into Savage Hybrid Shop, one of the leaders regarding brake repairs in Philadelphia.
For more information about Savage Hybrid Shop, feel free to fill out a contact form on our website or call us.