8 Warnings Signs That Your Car’s Braking System Needs An Overhaul

Brakes are a really important part of any moving object. The ability to control what speed you are going at is absolutely necessary and cannot be overlooked. So if you have an old car you might wanna watch out for these eight signs of a dying brake.

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1. Dashboard Brake Warning Light

   

   An obvious hint that something is wrong with the brakes. The main reason for this light to show up is either low brake fluid pressure or worn-out brake pads. Brake light means that the car seriously needs to undergo a check to find the problem and you should as quickly as possible take the car to a mechanic.
   

2. Car Pulling To One Side While Braking

   If you notice the car slightly pulling to one side while you are breaking it can mean various things. Either you have low tyre pressure, one of the brake pad is worn out or one of the brake callipers might be stuck. If refilling your car tyre doesn’t fix the problem it’s a good idea to call a mechanic to get your car checked. If you see the car pull to one side even without braking it means one of the brake callipers is permanently stuck and you need to get it fixed before it causes any more damage.
   

3. Low Pedal Pressure (Stiff or Loose Pedal)

   

   Another sign of a dying brake, if your brake pedal has suddenly lost all pressure and is touching to ground without any input it is a serious issue. This means one of two things, the air has entered brake fluid or master cylinder seal is broken causing a loss of pressure. Both of these issues are equally deadly and need to be fixed immediately as you will not be able to brake without it. Even if the brake pedal has lost only a little bit of its stiffness its still necessary to get it fixed as it can lead to serious accidents.
   

4. Steering Vibration During Braking

   If your car and brake pedal vibrate during braking it is indicative of a dying brake. The main reason for a vibrating brake pedal is worn out brake pads. Other reasons include out of balance brake rotors and sticking brake callipers. Failing callipers only cause the steering wheel to vibrate while braking whereas brake rotor issue vibrates both the car and the brake pedal. In all three cases, it’s a good idea to get the brake checked as early as possible to save money as it can turn out to be a major problem later on and cause more damage.
   

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5. Increased Braking Distance

   This points towards worn-out brake pads and low brake fluid level. The increased braking distance can be considered as a warning sign of an underlying problem that can cause major braking faults like low pedal pressure ultimately leading to complete loss of brake. If you notice increased braking distance its a good idea to confirm it by yourself and then take the car to a mechanic for a checkup.
   

6. Overheating Brakes

   It can occur either due to over-aggressive braking or a fault with brakes. If you smell anything burning and the engine temperature is in perfect place it’s mostly probably that your brakes are overheating. If this occurs pull your car and check for smoke and find the reason for the smell. If it is indeed the brake let them cool off and get the car to a mechanic as fast as possible. Overheated brakes will lose brake power and can and will result in an accident. If it’s not possible to reach a mechanic drive slowly and use engine braking till you can get the car fixed.

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7. Excess Force Required To Push Brake Pedal

   Brake pedal suddenly getting stiff means a failure in the brake boost system. The brake boost system borrows the vacuum from the engine intake manifold and multiplies the assisted braking power which makes it easier to press the pedal. A loss of vacuum could result from a broken seal either somewhere along with the system or the master cylinder itself. A trip to the mechanic is again required.
   

8. Screeching Noise While Braking

   Squealing or screeching noise is the result of an in-built method of informing the driver that the brake pads need a replacement. As the pads get worn out due to tanking extreme heat and friction it is inevitable to start getting worn out. Hearing the screeching noise should be taken as a hint that a visit to the mechanic is necessary. 

This covers the 8 signs that your brake is dying. If you experience one or more of these issues we would advise you to get your car checked as soon as possible. 

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