Brakes are one of the most important parts of any vehicle, and keeping them in good working order is critical. If your brakes begin to fail in any manner, slowing down or stopping your car may become considerably more difficult. This greatly increases your chances of being involved in an accident. This tutorial will go through some of the most typical indicators of brake difficulties so you’ll know when it’s time to see local Toyota dealer.
1. Strange Sounds
Cars can emit all kinds of rumbling and vibrating sounds as their various parts and systems move around. Some sounds are normal and nothing to worry about, but others can be warning signs that something has gone wrong. If you hear grinding or squealing sounds when pressing the brakes, you might have issues with a number of different brake components, including the pads, calipers, brake shoe, and plates.
2. Warning Light On
Modern cars have various dashboard lights that let you know when certain components are being used or may be in need of attention or repair. You may have several brake indicator lights on the dashboard, for example. One or more of these lights might show up automatically when the parking brake is being used, but they might also illuminate when something is wrong with the brake system.
3. Shaking or Wobbling
Another big sign that something might be wrong with your brakes is wobbling or shaking movement when the brakes are used. If you press down on the brake pedal and feel the vehicle or steering wheel
start to vibrate and shake, it’s likely that your brake rotor has a problem. The rotor may have gotten rusty, worn, or fallen out of its usual position, for example.
4. Spongy Brakes
The brake pedal should be firm and resistant, and you should have to use a reasonable amount of effort to push it down with your foot. If it feels soft and spongy, or sinks right down to the ground when you press it without providing any real resistance, this is a sign that the brakes require urgent repair. You should never try to continue driving with soft or spongy brakes.
5. Pulling to the Side
Another possible issue that you might notice is your car veering to one side when you apply the brakes. This can be very inconvenient to deal with, as you have to steer carefully to stay in your lane whenever you apply the brakes. It’s usually a sign that the brake pads on one side are worn down and need replacing, or it could be an issue with the brake hose or calipers.
6. Fluid Leaks
The brake system needs a special kind of fluid, known as brake fluid, to work properly. If the fluid levels drop too low due to leaks or other issues, the system won’t work as it should and you might experience soft or unresponsive brakes. It’s recommended to have your brake fluid levels checked on a regular basis to spot any leaks or problems before they develop into something more serious.
Schedule Your Auto Service Appointment Today
It’s never a good idea to carry on driving if you detect brake system issues. So if you spot any of the signs listed above, or any other issues with your brakes, the best thing to do is visit your local dealer for checks and repairs. Call Toyota South today to arrange brake servicing for your car in Annapolis, MD.
Image courtesy of Toyota
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