Getting ahead and staying current with brake inspections is important in avoiding costly repairs or replacements. Most major repairs can be avoided with routine maintenance, coupled with driver awareness. If you know, or learn the signs of needed brake repairs such as: noises, smells and other vehicle malfunctions, you can have minor repairs done before they become costly repairs.
Through driver awareness of these signs, problems can be easily detected to prevent long-term damages. Use these following tips to detect early signs of needed brake repair and, when these signs appear, consult a professional auto repair specialist immediately.
Sound
Unfamiliar noises such as: squealing, rubbing, and screeching are typical sounds heard when your brake pads or brake shoes need to be replaced. Inspecting abnormal noises produced from brake systems should be addressed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage of brake pads and shoes, brake rotors and drums, and / or other vehicle parts.
Vibration
Pulsations or vibrations occurring in the brake pedal or steering wheel can indicate your brake system needs addressing. Never disregard vehicle vibrations, as pulsations are commonly caused by brake rotors wearing down from excessive use of brakes in disrepair. As needed brake repairs prolong, rotors can become warped from metal to metal contact causing irreversible damage resulting in costly brake repairs.
Functionality
When your brake functionality begins to change, schedule a brake system inspection quickly. If you experience decreased ability to brake (i.e. a “soft” brake pedal or a brake pedal that travels to the floor before brakes engage) it is likely a brake repair is in order. When brake use begins to become more difficult by increased pressure needed to brake, this could be a driver’s first indicator that brake pads are beginning to wear.
Smell
If you begin to smell a foul, rigid burning scent produced from the area around the vehicle’s tire, stop operations immediately. These odors are not normal and can cause incredibly unsafe situations for all of the vehicle’s occupants. Consult an auto repair specialist immediately to inspect brake system complications and find any parts that may be compromised. Never continue driving a vehicle with abnormal smells coming from the areas that surround the tire, as brake repair is almost certainly needed.
Warning Lights
Do not disregard brake repair warning lights or other built-in vehicle warnings. While this suggestion might seem 
routine, brake warning lights should be taken seriously at first detection.
Never continue driving a vehicle with symptoms of brake failure. Brake failure can result in both costly damages and hazardous driving situations. By using these easy tips, drivers can easily maintain brake repair safety, while staying ahead of costly brake repairs.
Postle Tire Barn is a locally owned and operated tire and automotive dealer located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Contact us by calling 205-391-0062 or email us at [email protected].
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