What is the one thing that you won’t in top working order on your car?
The Brakes!
If you don’t have great brakes, you won’t be able to spot as efficiently as you would with new brakes. And you always want to be able to stop when you need to. Here are some ways to check your brakes before heading to Reedman Toll of Springfield to get your brakes changed.
Look and Listen
First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel’s spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. There should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced. Have you heard a high pitched screeching coming from the car? That’s a small metal shim, called an indicator, which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads.
Responses to pressure
If the pedal isn’t responding as it should be, there could be something wrong with the brakes. Look for brake fluid leaking if the pedal starts sinking to the floor when pushing it. If there is fluid, take the car in to get it checked right away.
Pulling
If the car is pulling to one side when you apply the brakes, that could mean that the brakes are wearing unevenly. The brakes might need an adjustment or might have something stuck in them. Best to get them checked.
Grinding
If you hear grinding when braking, your brakes may be beyond replacement. The grinding means that metal is rubbing together, which means your pads are most likely gone. So you won’t just need new brake pads, you’ll probably need new rotors in the process.
Remember to listen to your car. It tells you when you need to take car of it.
