Your car’s brakes aren’t the most mysterious system in your car. They tend to be pretty straightforward, especially when something isn’t working properly. Cool Green Auto wants you to be able to recognize what it looks and feels like when your brakes might not be in good condition and need servicing so you can be safe on the road.
Your Brakes Are Loud
If you’re hearing sounds coming from your brakes, that’s a sign that there’s something going on. Usually, you won’t hear much when you’re using your brakes, except maybe the occasional squeak. That’s pretty normal. If you’re hearing grinding, scraping, or squealing sounds, that might be something to pay closer attention to. It might mean that your brakes need service.
Your Car Shakes When You Apply the Brakes
Your car’s brakes should stop fairly evenly, without shaking the car. When your brakes are experiencing issues, one of the signs of that trouble can be that your car shudders as you press the brake pedal. Often the faster you’re going, the worse the car will shake. This typically happens for a few different reasons, so an experienced technician can determine the exact cause for you.
The Car Pulls to One Side
When you’re stopping, the car shouldn’t change directions unless you turn the wheel. In the case of brake issues, often you might have a problem only on one wheel, which can cause the car to pull itself to that side when you stop. If you’re having to fight the wheel when you apply the brakes, that’s a sign that your car is pulling because of brake issues.
You Can See the Dashboard Warning Light
Dashboard warning lights are there for a reason, of course, and they help you to know that there’s trouble before you have a serious issue. In the case of your brakes, you might see the brake light on your car’s dashboard if you are low on brake fluid or if the car’s onboard computer determines that there’s a problem with the brakes.
You Have No Brakes
You expect the brakes to work when you hit that brake pedal, right? So it’s scary when you tap on the brakes and either nothing happens or the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor. If either of these situations occur, you may need to use the emergency brake to safely stop the car. Don’t drive again if you know that your brakes are not responding, because you can’t guarantee you’ll be able to stop.
Don’t ignore possible issues with your brakes. Contact us today at Cool Green Auto in Shepherdstown, WV if you’re concerned about your brakes at all. We’ll inspect them and repair them quickly.