What are Signs of Brake Failure?

Probably more important than the ability of your car to move forward is your ability to stop it when needed. That makes your brake repair and maintenance a primary concern. Before you head out onto the streets of Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill or Turnersville, you want to make sure that your brakes are in good, working order. Here are some signs that your brakes might be ready to fail and are in need of being replaced: 

Fluid Under the Tires is a Sign of Brake Failure 

One of the most serious indications that your brakes might be broken is a pool of brake fluid underneath or behind your tires. Brakes are a hydraulic system, meaning fluid pressure is used to compress the pads onto the rotors in order to stop the car. If the system has a leak, then the fluid will be pumped out of the system instead of adding pressure to stop the car.

Leaking brakes can be very dangerous. If you think that your car is leaking brake fluid, you need to have it checked immediately. You could be in danger of not being able to stop the car at all if enough fluid leaks out.

Brake Pedal Goes Down Too Far

If you find yourself having to push down farther and farther on the brake pedal to get the car to stop, this might  a warning sign of a problem with your brakes. Having to push farther means applying more hydraulic pressure to the system, indicating a possible leak, pads needing to be replaced or even a problem with the brake lines.

Squealing Brake Sounds

Car manufacturers know that brakes are inevitably going to fail. This simple understanding leads them to build in some warning signs for drivers so cars can warn their drivers that the brakes are in need of replacement. The first indicator is the squeal. As your pads wear down a small metal tab will come into contact with your rotors. This produces a high pitched squealing noise every time you hit the brakes.  Think of this noise as your brake pads telling you it is time for them to tag out of this match for good.

Grinding Brake Sounds

If you ignore the squeal long enough the tab will probably break off and the noise will go away. No, your brakes didn't magically regenerate! Pretty soon, you will begin to hear a more ominous noise: the brake grind. When you hit the pedals you will hear metal-on-metal grinding noises. These are the rivets that hold the pads onto the shoe cutting into the rotors. This is dangerous and causes long-term and costly damage to your car. Have your brakes looked at immediately if you hear such noises. 

Shaking Brake Pedals

Does your brake pedal shake and feel like it is pushing back against you when you press down with your foot? This may indicate uneven wear on your brake pads. It can also indicate that your rotors have warped for some reason. If your brake pedal starts to vibrate, it is a good bet something is wrong with your brakes. 

Schedule Brake Repair at Prestige Subaru

If you are in the Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill or Turnersville area and need to have your Subaru brakes looked at, give us a call at Prestige Subaru. Our highly trained staff of automotive technicians are available Monday through Friday from 7:30am-5pm, and Saturday 8am-4pm. Stop into our service department today or schedule your next service appointment or brake repair appointment online!