Your brakes are, without a doubt, one of the most essential components in your car (not to mention to your safety). While a broken headlight or crack in your windshield may be a nuisance, they are unlikely to cause such immediate and lethal damage as that of faulty brakes. To avoid potential catastrophe, look out for the following indications of brakes that need a break:
Squeaking or Grinding Sound
Often a sign that brake pads have worn down, a squeaking sound coming from your brakes is usually caused by a pre-installed indicator designed for this particular purpose. Worse is the sound of grinding, which signals that the rotor disc and caliper are making contact. While the former indicates that you should have your brakes checked soon, the latter is a clear message that you need to stop driving, now.
Spongy or Squishy Brake Pedal
An indication of a plethora of issues, a spongy or squishy pedal is not a risk worth leaving unattended. From a leak or excess air in your brake line to a malfunction in your caliper, cylinders, or ABS system, the variety of causes of a brake pull range from simple fix to severe threat. Better safe than sorry, contact your local mechanic at the first sign of a change in brake pedal pressure.
A Puddle on Your Driveway
Unlike the rainbow glint of oil or the tell-tale greens and pinks of coolant, brake fluid can range from clear to dark brown, but always has a medium viscosity and characteristically slippery feel. A harbinger of potentially devastating consequences, a leak in your brake’s hydraulic system will lead to a drop in pressure and possible subsequent brake failure. Unlike leaks that simply require a top-up, brake fluid beneath your car necessitates a trip to the mechanic, pronto.
