How To Check Your Brakes

The safety of everyone in your vehicle is dependent on the brakes. You should conduct a brake check every so often to make sure they are still reliable. Your brakes provide clear signals when it is time for a repair or replacement, so pay attention to your vehicle so that you can drive securely.

Listen to Your Brakes

One crucial aspect of brake maintenance is knowing what sounds correlate to specific problems. Brakes are designed to make a noise when they are on their last legs, and the sounds they make may vary. Regardless if you hear squeaking, squeaking, or grinding, any sound is often a sign that your brake pads have worn down, and they need to be replaced.

Inspect the Wheels

Another sign your brakes have too much wear is that there will be brake dust accumulation on your wheels. Once you get to the point that no dust appears on the wheels, you are really in trouble. This is a sign that the pads have thoroughly worn out and the metal calipers are exposed, so you need to replace them promptly.

Feel the Brake Pedal

You should know what it feels like to normally press down on your brake pedal. When that changes, you need brake maintenance right away. The pedal may shake, and your steering wheel could vibrate when the brake pads have excessive wear.

Observe the Brake Pad

You can see your car’s brake pads through the wheels. Ideally, the pads will have adequate thickness. When they get to the point where they are less than 1/4 inch in width, you have a problem. Some brake pads have a slot in the middle. If you can no longer see the slot, then you require a brake pad replacement.

The experts at Sanford Auto Service in San Antonio, Texas would be more than happy to inspect your brakes if you are worried about them. Reach out to us today to set up an appointment. We will make sure your car is as safe as can be once we are through with it.