How to Recognize the Need for Brake Changes in Louisville, KY

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Douglas Addington

Most people would agree that brakes are one of the most important features of your car. Because they’re responsible for safely stopping your vehicle, maintaining your brakes, and replacing them when necessary, is absolutely critical for an overall safe driving experience. Typically most people become aware of a brake problem when having other maintenance done. During tire changes, vehicle inspections or even as part of an oil change, mechanics often will give the brakes a quick inspection. Sometimes problems with your brakes are visible to the naked eye—take rotor damage, for example.

On the other hand, some brake problems are only apparent when actually driving the vehicle—for these types of issues, only you will know when a brake problem has developed. Below are the standard warning signs that something might be wrong with your brakes. If you are noticing any of the following symptoms, be sure to visit a professional mechanic for routine brake changes in Louisville, KY.

Keep your ears open

Unusual noises while operating the brakes is perhaps the most common sign that you need brake replacement. If you hear your brakes squeal or make a grinding noise when you use them, it’s a sign that they may need adjustment or replacement. Squealing noises actually are meant to happen when brake pads need changing. There is a metal piece built into the brake pad that squeals against the rotor when the pads are worn down to a certain point.

If you ignore the noise, grinding may develop. Grinding noises are particularly serious, as they indicate that your brake pads are worn excessively low and actual rotor damage is beginning to occur. The moment your brakes begin to squeal it is a good idea to visit a mechanic for brake changes in Louisville, KY. In this case, you can expect to get new pads, and potentially new rotors if the damage is significant, and you can be on your way.

Pay attention to your brake light

Brake warning lights on your dashboard can also indicate the need for brake work. If the brake or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) warning light on your dashboard lights up, it means you’re running low on brake fluid, have a master cylinder problem, or there is an electrical malfunction in your ABS. If you have noticed fluid underneath your parked car coupled with a brake warning light, you may have a damaged brake line requiring replacement.

Other common brake problems requiring maintenance are pulling, brake pedal problems or vibrations experienced while stopping. If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could mean your brakes are maladjusted, you have a caliper problem, there is brake fluid leakage or your brakes are worn out and need to be replaced. If the brake pedal feels spongy or hard to press down, it usually means that air has gotten into the brake lines. Simply bleeding the brake system of air will fix this problem. You may also be having an issue with low brake fluid.

If you experience any of these problems, do not hesitate to visit the team at St. Matthews Imports – Auto Repair & Service to have brake changes in Louisville, KY.