About Me

Understanding Car Issues

When I began thinking more seriously about car issues, it occurred to me that there were a few things I needed to do if I wanted to make things easier for myself in the long run. For starters, I began taking my car in for regular auto service, which really helped out. It was really interesting to see how many different things had to be fixed every time I went in, but when my car didn't have as many problems, I could tell that it was really paying off. This website is all about understanding and preventing car problems by making better choices.

Search

Categories

Latest Posts

Understanding Car Issues

Think You Need A Brake Inspection? Two Trouble Signs To Look For

by Micheal Barrett

Your car's brakes are one of the most essential parts to its operation. If the car cannot stop properly, it will be dangerous for others drivers and yourself when driving. Thankfully, you do not have to wait for your brakes to fail to know that they need servicing. There are subtle signs to look out for that can tell you it's time for a free brake inspection.

Steering Wheel Vibration

Pay attention to the steering wheel when you put pressure on the brakes. Do you feel vibrations that coincide with using the brakes? If so, this is a reason to be concerned. This vibration is caused from metal rubbing against metal, which is something that should be avoided.

There are brake pads that act like a buffer between the metal rotors and the brakes themselves. The brake pads can wear away over time from daily use, but can also wear away faster if you are the type of driver that applies too much pressure on the brakes. This often results in jarring stops from not giving yourself enough distance to brake properly.

Once there's no longer a barrier between both pieces of metal, there will be a vibration felt in the steering wheel. This should be a reason to take the car to a local mechanic and have the brake pads inspected. You'll most likely find that they are worn down and need replacement.

Vehicle Pulling To A Single Side

You should also look out for when your car starts to drift to the side when you are braking. This is a problem that is usually caused by tires that are misaligned, but it is also a sign that you have brakes that are wearing down prematurely on a single side of the car. The drifting typically occurs on the side that has the problem.

This problem can be caused by calipers that are sticking, which is why you'll want to take your car to a mechanic immediately.

Loud Squeaking

Similar to the steering wheel vibrations, squeaking can also occur when the brake pad has worn thin. This happens when metal rubs against metal in just the right way that causes it to squeak. Do not confuse this sound with grinding or swishing, which is a normal sound you will hear when first driving your car each day, because the brake pads have not had proper time to warm up yet.

Share