It goes without saying that brakes are a very important part of your car. As long as the car is actually running, they may in fact be the most important part. Therefore, they should never be neglected. If you suspect something could be wrong and you might need a brake repair, you should not hesitate to get them checked out.

Here are the signs to look out for when it comes to your brakes:

Worn Pads

Over time, the pads that are instrumental in slowing and stopping a car wear thin, which means that they will not be able to do their job properly. Brake pads should be at least a quarter of an inch thick. Any less than that and they should be replaced.

Pulling

If your car is pulling to one side or the other, this could be a sign that something is wrong with the brakes. This pulling may be the result of a stuck caliper, which would cause friction on one wheel but not the others, leading to the car pulling.

Pulling could also be the result of a collapsed brake hose, which would lead to calipers moving unevenly when the brakes are applied. Another possible culprit might be uneven brake pads applying different amounts of pressure to the wheels.

Vibrations

Another sign that you are in need of a brake repair is if you are experiencing vibrations. If while braking normally, the pedal vibrates, this could indicate a problem with the rotors. Rotors become warped, generally, if they are under stress for a long period of time. Driving down steep roads or stopping often while towing heavy objects can have a negative effect on rotors.

Unusual Sounds

When your brake pads need to be replaced, most likely you will hear a high-pitched sound. You may also hear a grinding noise, which you definitely do not want to hear.

This indicates that the brake pads are totally worn and the metal of the calipers is hitting the metal of the rotors. This is a good way to damage the rotors as well as creating a much more expensive brake repair job.

Spongy Pedal

If, when you try to apply the brake pedal, you have to push it nearly to the floor before the brakes work, you have a real problem. This could be a sign of worn pads or worse, an issue with the hydraulic system, including an air or brake fluid leak.

Conversely, if you barely have to touch the brake pedal to engage the brakes, this could be due to contaminated brake fluid or an unevenly worn rotor.

If you have noticed something even a little bit off with your brakes, you need to have them checked right away. When you only want experts to repair your brakes, come into Xpress Lube.

We will inspect every part of your brakes to ensure that nothing is amiss and handle any necessary repair so that they will remain in good working order.