Auto Service Providers Enumerate Telltale Signs of Bad Brakes and How to Avoid Them

1. March 21, 2017 Auto Service Providers Enumerate Telltale Signs of Bad Brakes and How to Avoid Them Image 1: Avoid Failing Brakes by Following an Auto Service Provider's Advice You’ve seen it in a movie before: a guy driving his car only to find too late that his brakes are failing. Unfortunately, such accidents do not happen only in movies. Too often, motorists neglect to bring their vehicles to auto service providers for routine maintenance until it is either too late to do anything about it or their neglect has resulted in a vehicular accident. Page | 1

2. Last December, the City of Portland reported it was averaging five car crashes an hour due to brakes failing drivers on just two inches of snow. If this is what happens on a slippery road with slightly good brakes, imagine what can happen if bad brakes come into play. Even if you don’t possess technical knowledge of cars, it’s still quite easy to spot the warning signs of failing brakes. All a driver needs in detecting faulty brakes is a steady awareness of noises from the brakes and their performance on the road. Unusual Noises The first obvious sign of brakes going bad is the sound of unusual noises whenever you step on the brakes. If you are hearing squealing or grinding noises, it’s probably time for either an adjustment or replacement of your brake pads. Car Pulling One Way If you notice your car pull one way or the other while braking on a straightaway, it’s likely that your brakes are malfunctioning. Take this sign seriously because it could mean the brake fluid is leaking from a brake line or reservoir. If you notice vibrations resonating throughout the vehicle when applying the brakes, it is possible that your brake rotor is warped and needs replacement. Low Brake Fluid Lastly, never ignore your dashboard. Typically, it warns you if you’re already low on brake fluid when the Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS) indicator lights up. This is a very dangerous prospect that can lead to immediate failure of your entire braking system. There are two major causes for low brake fluid. The first is when your pads are worn out from overuse, pushing the caliper out of its housing and closer to the rotor which lowers the brake fluid level. The second is when you have a leak on your system that causes the brake fluid to run dry. Page | 2

3. To illustrate how important it is to maintain the proper level of your brake fluid, you need to understand the brake mechanism of your car. Whenever you step on the brakes to stop, the brake fluid is being pushed to the caliper piston and pads, which then brings the vehicle to a halt. If there is not enough brake fluid, then there won’t be enough force to make your brakes work. At the end of the day, the best way to prevent brake malfunction is to ensure that your car receives regular maintenance checks at a service shop. AboutMcLoughlin Chevy: At McLoughlin Chevy, we don’t just offer reasonably priced cars. We also provide expert auto services to ensure that your vehicle stays in excellent condition and ready for your next driving adventure. Whether it’s a simple oil change or a transmission replacement, we guarantee that we have you covered. Sources: Brake Maintenance: 5 Warning Signs, Military.com How car brakes work and how to maintain them, MobilOil.com Page | 3