5 Ways to Tell if Your Brakes are Faulty
When it comes to replacing parts of your car, it pays to be extra diligent when checking your tyres and brakes. Why? Well, where your tyres are the only part of your car that remain in contact with the road and provide traction, your brakes ultimately control them – making them even more important to keep in working order.
In this article, the team at Munster Tyres will be offering 5 ways to tell if your brakes are worn down and in need of replacement, so you can make sure that your car is as safe on the roads as possible.
Brake warning light
Although this may appear obvious, if the brake warning light is on, then there might be something wrong.
Firstly, ensure that you haven’t simply forgotten to release the hand brake, as this can often be the reason for a sustained appearance of a brake warning light on your car. If the hand brake has been released and the light is still on, then there’s a good chance your brakes could be faulty and need replacing.
Vibration
A strong vibration coming from your brakes could be a sign of warped rotators. However, it could also mean that your vehicle is out of alignment. A good way of distinguishing the difference is if the vibration occurs during braking which doesn’t involve the anti-lock brakes, then this means you have warped rotators.
If this is the case, then this is an indication that you’re overworking your brakes, something that is only really likely in steep or all-terrain driving. If such driving applies to you, then you should perhaps consider upgrading your brakes.
A reduction in responsiveness
If, when braking under normal conditions, you find that your brakes aren’t as responsive as usual, or if the pedal sinks towards the floor, there’s a chance that there could be a leak in the braking system. To know for sure, check for small puddles where the car has been parked. Brake fluid looks a little like engine oil, but it tends to be less viscous in its composition.
Pulling
“Pulling” refers to when your vehicle moves to one side during the braking process. If this sounds familiar, then it could simply be an indication that the brake linings are wearing thin, or that there is fluid in your brake system.
Grinding
If you hear a rather loud grinding or growling when braking, this means that you have worn down your brake pads as far as possible. If this has happened, it can prove costly due to the sheer number of components that will need to be fixed or replaced.
Munster Tyres are experts in providing servicing and repairs for vehicles to ensure that they are safe and in good working condition. We carry out a wide variety of car repairs and replacements – such as tyre fitting, brake and clutch repairs and car body work – both efficiently and to a high quality standard. Our experienced professionals are based in Fulham and provide services to individuals across North London. Contact us today for enquiries or for further information on the services we can provide.