As a car owner, you know that your brakes are one of your most important safety features. Gulf Breeze Automotive has these tips to help you to recognize that you may need new brakes on your car.
Your Car Isn’t Stopping Reliably
You know how it feels when you apply the brakes, right? Most drivers gauge when they’re going to apply the brakes by how their brakes have typically responded in the past. But if you’re realizing that your car is taking longer to stop or even to slow down, that’s a big concern. It’s a symptom of brake issues that really do need to be addressed sooner rather than later. If you’re experiencing a significant change in braking, you may have a brake emergency on your hands.
The Car Pulls to One Side
What else are you noticing when you apply the brakes? If one of the things that happens is that your car starts immediately pulling to one side, that can be one of a few issues. It might mean that there are problems with calipers on that side of the car or other may be uneven wear on the brake pads. Regardless, you never want to feel your car pulling in a different direction than you’re trying to steer it.
You’re Feeling Vibrations as You Brake
Something else you might feel as you apply the brakes could be vibrations. These may be more severe as you apply the brakes with more intensity. Or you might notice this more when you’re traveling at faster speeds and trying to slow down or stop. One possible culprit is that the rotors may be warped, but there can be other issues, too. An experienced auto technician can narrow down the causes for you.
You’re Hearing Squealing or Grinding Noises
How your brakes sound offers a lot of clues about what’s happening with them. If you’re hearing grinding or squealing sounds when you apply the brakes, that’s a big sign that you may have hit the wear tabs. These sounds can also indicate that you’ve gone beyond those, however, or that you have other issues going on with your brakes. Getting a comprehensive brake inspection helps you to know what you’re up against.
Need to get your car’s brakes inspected? It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and Gulf Breeze Automotive in Gulf Breeze, FL is here for you. Give us a call today and we can set up an appointment to take a closer look at your car’s brakes.