Brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. When you are out for a drive, they are all that stand between you and a potentially life-threatening situation. Keeping this in mind, brake repair should not just be part of your regular vehicle maintenance. You should get professional brake inspection and servicing done as additional vehicle care as well.

Ideally, your brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles and brake rotors every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Depending on your driving style, surrounding climate, and infrastructure quality, these figures may vary. To know whether it is time for a brake repair, keep the following signs in mind or call us at Gracefully Fixed for an expert opinion.

Flashing Brake Light

Your dashboard has over 65 warning lights, each for a specific part of the vehicle. When a dashboard light turns on, it indicates that the corresponding part needs to be checked by an expert immediately.

A light that is constantly turned on, without blinking, suggests that the problem has not yet gotten out of hand. A thorough inspection can fix the damage. If the light starts to blink, that’s when you can assume that your brakes are in urgent need of repair. Do not wait to call a mechanic.

There are different dashboard signs for different brake problems.

Brake Pad Light

If there is a problem with the brake pads, the following light will turn on. The brake pad indicator means that the brake pads have worn down or there is another non-visible problem at hand.

Brake Fluid Level Light

If your brake fluid levels are low, it can hinder the brake performance. This light will turn on if the fluid level needs to be inspected. 

Parking Brake Light

When this light appears, your parking brake is either engaged or there is a problem with it. To diagnose the possible issue, engage and disengage your parking brake. If the indicator goes away, there are no issues. If it still won’t go away, call Gracefully Fixed to come to your location for a professional inspection.

Squealing or Grinding Sounds

Squealing or squeaking sounds coming from your brakes suggest that your brake pads have worn down.

The sound occurs because modern brake pads have a wear indicator embedded in them in the form of a thin metal strip. When brake pads wear down and near the end of their useful life, that strip will begin to grind against the rotors to let you know they need replacement.

Squealing sounds are a warning sign – your brake pads still have some life in them. When they are completely worn down, they will begin to make loud grinding sounds. If this is the case in your vehicle, call Gracefully Fixed for a complete brake repair.

However, squealing sounds don’t always mean that the brake pads need repair. When an object or debris gets lodged in the brakes, they begin to make strange sounds. By simply removing the object, your brakes will function normally.

Vibration While Braking

If you feel vibrations in your vehicle whenever you press the brakes, it suggests that an urgent brake repair is needed. Vibrations while braking occurs when the brake rotors that stop the vehicle are not smooth anymore and have become uneven.

Brake rotors are a vital part of your disc brakes. They are large metal discs attached to both ends of your vehicle’s axle. When you hit the brakes, the brake pads push against the rotors, which stops your wheels from spinning.

Over time, it’s normal for the brake rotor surface to become uneven because of extended use. During brake repair, the face of the rotor should be evened out and smoothed. If the rotors are too far worn to be serviced, they will need to be replaced.

Increased Stopping Distance

Another major sign that your brakes need to be repaired is loss of performance when applying the brakes. If you notice that your vehicle’s stopping distance has increased over time or if you are applying more force to get it to stop, it may mean your brake pads are worn down completely or that your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak).

The brake fluid is used to create hydraulic pressure that pushes the brake pads against the rotors. Decreased brake fluids can inhibit an efficient response from the braking systems. A decreased performance can put your life in danger.

It’s imperative to check your brake fluid regularly.

Spongy or Soft Brakes

When you apply pressure on normal-functioning brakes, you should feel some resistance. If you find your brakes to be soft or if they go all the way back, it may be time for a brake repair. Spongy or soft brakes have to do with air or moisture in the braking system. They can also be caused by problems in the master cylinder.

The master cylinder is where the whole braking system starts. It activates the calipers that enable the brake pads to press on the rotors. A malfunctioning master cylinder may restrict the brakes’ ability to stop, which is highly dangerous. 

Pulling to One Side

Your vehicle may pull to one side for various reasons. However, if you notice that as you brake, your vehicle is pulling to a side, it may have to do with one of your brakes not working. A sticking caliper or a fault with a wheel cylinder can cause a brake on one side to grab harder than that on the other. This causes the car to veer to one side.

A brake that is sticking on or dragging can also cause the vehicle to pull to one side while driving. In these circumstances, you’re likely to notice the brake becoming hot or even a burning smell as you drive. If there is a burning odor coming from your vehicle, park your car immediately and call our mobile mechanics at Gracefully Fixed for an urgent checkup.

Get Your Brakes Repaired by Our Mobile Services at Gracefully Fixed

Letting malfunctioning brakes go unchecked can put your and others’ lives in danger. Brake repair should be done by trusted mechanics who deliver excellent results. If you’re in or around Charlotte, NC, call Gracefully Fixed for an expert repair.

Visit our website or call us at +1 (704) 323 6579 for more information!