When it comes to the brakes of your car, there is no specific number of miles or age you should wait before changing them. Vehicle brakes wear at different rates depending on your driving habits and the type of roads you use. For example, someone who does an extensive amount of highway driving will notice their brakes last longer than someone who drives in a city and has to brake frequently. If you experience any of these seven signs your brakes are fading, visit your local used tire shop for brake repair in Edmonton, Alberta.
- Squealing – New brakes are likely to squeal, lightly, for a few weeks after they are installed. However, when you noticed that your brakes consistently squeal every time you use them, this is a sign it is time for them to be repaired. The sound will be similar to the high-pitched noise heard when someone drags their nails on a chalkboard.
- Pedal Presses Down Far – When your brakes are at their optimal, you only have to apply a slight amount of pressure to the pedal to start the stopping action. As your brakes wear, the amount of pressure and distance the pedal will travel increase. If you find yourself pressing the pedal close to the floor, head to your local tire shop for repair.
- Grinding Noise When Stopping – The sound of metal on metal grinding is indicative that your brake pads may be past their prime. This type of friction quickly wears down and your braking system will fail completely.
- Steering Wheel Vibration – Is your car pulsing or vibrating when you apply pressure to the brakes to stop? This is one of the most noticeable signs it is time for brake repair. Your vehicle may shake due to uneven brake pad wear or because it is struggling to come to a complete stop.
- Vehicle Pull When Stopping – As you stop, your vehicle should slow down and cease movement in the same angle that you are already driving. When one or both of your brake pads are worn, your vehicle may pull to the right or the left. This occurs when one brake (the less worn) stops the vehicle quicker than the other (more worn).
- Increased Braking Distance – Regular drivers know how long it should take them to come to a complete stop when driving. As the brakes start to wear out, this distance can increase – substantially. Too many drivers put off getting brake repair in Edmonton, Alberta because they think there is still time. If you have noticed a reasonable increase in braking distance then you are already overdue for brake repairs.
- Weak E-Brake – The wheel brakes of a vehicle are most often maintained by drivers, but there is also the E-Brake. Some drivers rarely or never use their emergency brake. As a result, when they do, it may not function properly or may brake until pulling the lever. Emergency brakes are critical anytime you are parked on a steep incline where your vehicle may roll. Use your emergency brake consistently, even when not on a hill, to keep it functioning for when you do need it. Additionally, if you notice it is weak, bring it in to a used tire shop.