Brake Check: 3 Early Warning Signs Your Car Needs New Brakes

Changing your brakes is expensive. What’s more expensive than changing them is how long you wait to change them. It’s one of those car repairs not to wait on doing.

“So, when should I change my brakes?” you ask. Doing a routine brake check will help save you money in the long run. No one wants to run their brakes until you can’t drive your car anymore or find yourself in an accident.

“What should I be looking for during a brake check?” Here are three early warning signs your car needs new brakes.

1. You Hear Strange Sounds

When the brake pads are worn, your car has a sensory system that will alert you. The sound is often a high-pitched squeal.

You may also hear grinding or thumping. At this point, you’ve likely worn down your brakes completely and will need a full brake replacement.

If any of these are regular sounds, you need to bring your car into a mechanic. These sounds mean there is a serious problem and need immediate attention. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a hazardous driving situation later on.

2. You Feel the Car Responds Differently

This might mean your stopping distance is greater than it used to be, meaning you need to stop sooner in order to not drift out into intersections.

You could also feel a difference in how much you need to push on the brake pad in order to brake. You know what it feels like to brake normally, but if you feel any resistance or pulling, that could mean the friction on your brake pads has worn down.

If you feel your pedal vibrating or your brakes feel are pulsing, this could also be a sign you need new brakes or brake pads. At any of these points, taking your car into a mechanic is a smart move.

If the mechanic is too expensive, it might be time for a new vehicle. Check out how smooth the brakes will work on a Miata.

3. Your Brake Fluid Is Leaking

If you inspect that strange fluid pooling out of your car, and it’s a yellow oil, then you need to consider changing your brakes. Brown fluid is nothing to seriously worry about, since it’s usually motor oil.

However, leaking brake fluid is an emergency. You should not be driving your car at all under these conditions. Take it into a mechanic as soon as you can.

Stay Safer by Doing an Early Brake Check

Taking the time to do a brake check is important. You do your part to make sure you and your passengers remain safe and avoid a brake-related accident. You’ll also save yourself a lot of money by avoiding a total brake failure.

Check out our blog for more advice on auto repair and interesting auto news. Stay safe, and check your brakes!