Signs of Needed Brake Repairs

A vehicle's brakes should be serviced regularly, and your vehicle's owner's manual can tell you when it's best to bring that car or truck in for routine maintenance, based on its mileage or age. However, the expected lifespan of the vehicle's braking system is not a guarantee that all the parts related to brakes will last that long! Brake pads, rotors, callipers and other pieces in the braking system can wear down sooner than expected, and especially if you're rough on the brakes, drive on gravel roads, use low-quality brake parts or have your vehicle weighed down with a trailer and heavy equipment. To ensure your vehicle's brakes are always in good repair, note a few signs of worn parts in the braking system, and what you might be facing by way of needed brake repairs.

Wobbling

If a tyre wobbles while you're driving, this often means that there is a loose lug nut, and the tyre is not securely attached to the rim. The tyre may also have uneven tread wear, and is sliding around while rotating. If the tyre wobbles when you apply the brakes, this can indicate a worn pad that is not gripping the rotor evenly, or a worn rotor that does not have a solid surface that can be gripped properly. In turn, the tyre wobbles or shakes rather than coming to a smooth stop. The pads or rotor may need to be replaced.

Lack of braking power

If you apply the brakes and they don't stop the car as they should, this may be a sign of leaking brake fluid, and the lines need to be inspected for damage. Note if pumping the brakes builds pressure; if so, this indicates low fluid. If not, the pads may be worn down, so they don't grip the rotors as they should. The callipers that squeeze the pads may also be bent, so they don't apply enough pressure against the rotors, and these may need changing.

Too much braking power

If you apply the brakes in a smooth and gentle motion, but the vehicle still seems to slam to a stop, this can indicate bent callipers that are applying too much pressure to the brakes. The brakes may also have a build-up of debris between the callipers and pads. A worn brake pad may have also slipped out of place, so it squeezes the rotor too quickly when the callipers close around it. Replacing the pads or callipers can ensure your car doesn't slam to a stop every time you apply the brakes.