The brakes are perhaps the most important part of your vehicle. Yes, it’s a problem if your car can’t start, but it’s even more of a problem if your car can’t stop. Therefore, when it comes to vehicle maintenance, taking care of your brakes should be at the top of your list. This starts with learning to identify the signs that your car needs new brakes, then knowing what to do when that time arrives. Below are some of the key signs to look for, along with what to do when you think it might be time for new brakes.
Strange Noises While Driving or Using the Brakes
Image via Pexels by Lex Ger
The first thing you can do is listen to any strange noises coming from your vehicle while driving. If you hear a high-pitched squeal or squeak as you’re going, something is wrong. This noise often occurs when the brake pad wears down to a certain point. This is done on purpose. Brake pad manufacturers place metal inside the brake pads so that when they wear down far enough, the car makes noise and alerts the driver that the brake pads need to be changed. Open your windows and listen for this noise as you’re driving and whenever you’re applying the brakes.
The other type of noise to listen for is a grinding sound when applying the brakes. This can happen if there are any issues with your brake pads or your rotors. If your pads wear down too far or if your rotors become misaligned, you may hear a strange grinding sound when applying the brakes. This is a very noticeable sound, and you’ll likely listen to it whether your windows are open or not.
Vibration When Applying the Brakes
When you apply the brakes in your car, it should be a fairly smooth process. Your car should gradually slow down while maintaining a smooth ride. If you feel excessive vibration while you’re applying the brakes, you likely have an issue. This could be a result of a bent rotor or worn-down pads. It’s important to get this checked out soon — not only to keep you safer, but also to return your ride to a more enjoyable state.
If your car vibrates when you’re not applying the brakes, you likely have a different issue. For example, you could need to rebalance your wheels or adjust the tire pressure. Take your car to a local service center and they can determine the cause of the issue for you. If you notice your tires show uneven wear or low tire tread, you may need to consider replacing your tires.
Reduced Stopping Time
Stopping time is incredibly important in a vehicle. When you hit the brakes, your car should immediately start to slow down. The harder you press your brakes, the faster you stop. If you’re pushing down on the brake pedal and feel like you’re not slowing down as quickly as you once did, you’ll want to have this examined.
This problem could result from any one of several causes. For instance, you could have worn-down brake pads. Another possibility is that you’re low on brake fluid. Whatever the issue, you should have it addressed as soon as you can. You never know when you’ll need your car to stop right away, and when that time occurs, you’ll want a properly working braking system.
Vibration When Applying the Brakes
When you apply the brakes in your car, it should be a reasonably smooth process. Your vehicle should gradually slow down while maintaining a smooth ride. If you feel excessive vibration while you’re applying the brakes, you likely have an issue. This could be a result of a bent rotor or worn-down pads. It’s essential to get this checked out soon — not only to keep you safer, but also to return your ride to a more enjoyable state.
If your car vibrates when you’re not applying the brakes, you likely have a different issue. For example, you could need to rebalance your wheels or adjust the tire pressure. Take your car to a local service center, and they can determine the cause of the issue for you.
Reduced Stopping Time
Stopping time is incredibly important in a vehicle. When you hit the brakes, your car should immediately start to slow down. The harder you press your brakes, the faster you stop. If you’re pushing down on the brake pedal and feel like you’re not slowing down as quickly as you once did, you’ll want to have this examined.
This problem could result from any one of several causes. For instance, you could have worn-down brake pads. Another possibility is that you’re low on brake fluid. Whatever the issue, you should have it addressed as soon as you can. You never know when you’ll need your car to stop right away, and when that time occurs, you’ll want a properly working braking system.
Experiencing a Soft Brake Pedal
As you press down on the brake pedal in your vehicle, it should feel firm. You should be able to apply steady pressure to the pedal, slowing your vehicle down more as you press on it further. If you’re pressing down on your brake pedal and your foot quickly goes to the floor, you probably have an issue with your brake fluid.
Vehicle brakes work off of a susceptible hydraulic system. When it’s low on brake fluid, the system doesn’t have as much pressure, resulting in poorer performance. A common reason for low brake fluid is that you have a leak somewhere in your brake fluid line. The longer you wait to get this addressed, the more fluid that can leak out.
Having a firm brake pedal isn’t just about how the pedal feels — it’s also about safety. The stronger the pedal, the more responsive your brakes are to your foot. It’s not advised that you drive around with a soft brake pedal, as this can significantly reduce your stopping capabilities.
Brake Light Turns On
Finally, many newer vehicles now come with a brake light on the dashboard. This light connects to a computer system within your vehicle that constantly monitors the status of your braking system. If it detects any issues, it turns on the light to alert the driver. If you see this light come on, you should take your car in for inspection even if you’re not yet noticing any issues while driving.
There are several reasons why the brake light might be illuminated. It may be detecting worn-down pads, low brake fluid levels, or something else. A local service center can run a diagnostic tool to see the brake indicator discovered and then perform any necessary maintenance to ensure your brake system is operating correctly.
What To Do When You Need Brake Maintenance
We’re all guilty of putting off some car maintenance tasks. However, brake maintenance is one thing you shouldn’t ignore. Having a properly working braking system is essential if you want to remain safe while you’re driving. And while you can watch how-to videos on how to fix your own brake issues, it’s often better to let an expert handle it.
If you’re the owner of a new or used Kia vehicle in Texas, as soon as you detect any of the signs above, you should make your next call to the service center at Huffines Kia in Corinth. Once you bring your vehicle to us, we’ll perform a full diagnostic test to determine the cause of your issues. Then, whether it’s a problem with your brakes or not, we’ll complete the necessary maintenance to ensure your car is safe to drive.
Don’t risk the safety of yourself and your passengers. If you think there’s an issue with your Kia’s brakes, or if you just want an expert to check them out, schedule an appointment with Huffines Kia in Corinth today to give yourself some peace of mind.