Are you starting to notice a few signs of brakes going bad as you’re out on the road? Don’t delay in scheduling a brake service to inspect your brake system and to have a needed brake replacement or repair. If you are starting to notice any of the following issues, it’s time for the help of brake repair experts:
- Brake light comes on and stays on.
- Squealing, squeaking or grinding noises when using your brakes.
- Wobbling, vibration or scraping when braking.
- Fluid leaks.
- Spongy or soft brake pedal.
- The car pulls to one side when braking.
- Burning smell while driving.
- Bouncing up and down when you make a hard stop.
Consider the factors below that determine how long your brakes will last:
- Style of driving – If you’re an aggressive driver that brakes hard consistently, especially in stop-and-go town traffic, your brake pads will wear out fairly often.
- Weight of the vehicle – When a vehicle is manufactured, the stopping power of the brakes is calculated on the weight of the vehicle plus the passenger limits. An overloaded vehicle will need to have more pressure applied to the brake pedal, thus causing more wear and tear to the pads and rotors.
- Quality of brake materials – The quality of the brake pad material is a primary determinant of how long your brakes will last. Ceramic pads are longer lasting but more expensive and semi-metallic pads are less costly but don’t last as long.
- Purpose of the vehicle – If your vehicle is used to pull heavy loads, driven mostly in mountainous terrain, or you make frequent stop-and-go trips, the pads and rotors will wear down more quickly than on smooth and level roads where the brake does not have to be applied as often or as hard.
Need to know the signs of brakes going bad? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Dependable Car Care for more information about brake replacement and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Ventura, CA, and surrounding area.
