5 Ways to Detect a Braking Problem in your Vehicle

Car problems are inevitable. Sooner or later, you are going to experience a sputtering engine, shaking steering wheel, worn-out brake pads, worn tires, and much more. You cannot avoid them. But while they are unavoidable, you can take measures to prolong the life of your car parts, prevent accidents, and some issues.

You can always do this by installing safety brakes, regular inspection of your vehicle, high maintenance, and more. One of the most common and fairly dangerous problems you can have with your car is the braking system.

But if you can detect braking issues and stay ahead with solutions then you might as well save the risk of accidents. And, thanks to advanced braking technology, drivers can easily bring the vehicles to a stop, instantly, in cases of trouble.

How to Detect Braking Problems in a Car 

There are many signs and symptoms your vehicle may show to try and communicate a problem in your braking system. Check out some of them below; 

• One of the signs that your car is having problems with the brakes is leaks in the braking system. You can easily identify this when your brakes start behaving far from the norm.
• Your braking distance might become longer than usual. This means that most of the brake fluid will be lost. And without enough amount of fluid then the system might not work properly. In a worst-case scenario, it may be a sign that your brake is completely empty. 
• Your vehicle’s brake light coming on might also be another sign that you have problems with your brakes or rather, the brake fluid is leaking. But it may also mean that your brake pads are worn out. Nowadays, modern cars come with separate lights to indicate separate issues. 
• Another sign is that your braking pedals have become harder than usual to press. If it starts feeling strange or weird, the cause may be a leaking brake. Or just another problem with the brake. Check it or have it checked by a professional. 
• Squeaking noises, grinding, and squealing may all be a sign of worn-out brake pads. Sometimes you may hear some of these noises when you are in motion, sometimes when you apply the breaks. And they may also all mean different problems like just gravel caught in the calliper, lack of lubrication, or a need for brake servicing. 
• A shaking steering wheel or vibration when the brake is applied may be a sign that the rotor is uneven. These are big discs on the braking system found in the wheels. When you apply breaks, the pads hug the rotors, slowing your vehicle. That’s why you must make sure your rotors are smooth and in good condition all the time. 
• If you start feeling resistance in your brakes; softness or sponginess, or it goes down to the floor mat when you press it, it’s a sign to seek immediate service. It may be a sign of air or moisture in your braking system. Or the problems might be in the master cylinder.