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Did you know that depending on your speed, it can take your car up to 100 yards to come to a complete stop? And that’s assuming that your brakes and tires are in excellent working condition. Even if you don’t know a lot about cars, you probably know that properly working brakes are imperative to your safety. So, why don’t people get their brakes checked more often? Because, while brakes are the most important safety feature on your car, they are also the easiest to take for granted.
Stop, look, and listen. This saying always helped when you were crossing the street as a child, so imagine how helpful it can be when it comes to your brakes. Below are three tell-tale signs that you need to schedule an appointment for a free brake inspection at your local Rad Air Car Care Center:
1. Stop
Is your car taking longer to stop when you press on the brakes? Are you having to press harder to make a complete stop? Is your brake pedal vibrating or pulsating when you try to make a stop? All of these are indications that something is off with your vehicle’s brakes.
If you notice that the brake feels soft or pushes down too easily when you press it, this could be a sign that there is an air leak or that you are leaking brake fluid. Oppositely, if you have trouble pressing your brake or stopping your car, there could be an issue with the power brake booster, ABS system, or an obstruction in the brake line.
Whenever you are stopping, it’s important to pay attention when pressing your brake to note any changes in the way it feels.
2. Look
Have you just had a rough winter or driven through tough road conditions? Do you notice any rust or wear and tear on your brake rotors? You don’t have to be a pro to know these could be signs that you need new brakes.
If you look through the rim at the rotor or check the underside of your car, you might notice a lot of things that can damage your car’s brakes. Ice, pebbles, salt, potholes, and more can all contribute to causing wear and tear on your car’s brake system.
Don’t be afraid to take a look at your brake rotors and under your car if you suspect it might be time for new brakes. It might become very obvious that it’s time to take your car in for a brake inspection.
3. Listen
Do you hear rattling when you press on your brakes? Is the brake light in your car illuminated or dinging? Is there a grinding sound whenever you slow to a stop?
These are fairly obvious signs that something is amiss. However, if you are listening to music, podcasts, or are on the phone, it can sometimes be easy to ignore these warning signs. Noises are tell-tale signs that your brake pads are worn out and metal is pressing against your rotors.
At the very first sign of any unusual noises in your car, you should get it inspected. Not only will this keep you safe on the road, but it could save you money in the long run from causing further damage.
Your local Rad Air Car Care Center is ready to help you check out the health of your brakes. Don’t wait until it’s too late. We are so passionate about the importance of having properly working brakes, we offer FREE brake inspections at all of our 10 locations. You have no excuse not to get your brakes checked. Schedule your free inspection today.