Car Parts Plus

What Can Go Wrong With Your Vehicle’s Braking System?

When problems occur within your car’s braking system, they can quickly become a safety issue. Even if you’re able to slow and stop your vehicle, small, barely-noticeable problems are usually warning signs that something serious is wrong, or soon will be.

There are several ways in which the parts that make up your car’s braking assembly can malfunction. The challenge is knowing how to identify the issue. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of common glitches that can impact your vehicle’s brakes. I’ll explain how they manifest so you’ll be able to effectively communicate the trouble to your mechanic.

Low Fluid Levels

Brake fluid is necessary for the entire system to work properly. It circulates from the master cylinder to your tires through a number of hoses and tubes. If the fluid is low, you might notice the pedal feeling soft or staying too low to the floor.

Occasionally, a leak can develop in the hoses. When that happens, you need to have your mechanic identify the leak and replace the part. You should do this as soon as possible; if fluid levels drop too low, you’ll have trouble stopping your car.

Squealing

A few things can cause your brakes to squeal. Some can be easily fixed while others are more problematic. For example, the squeal can be caused by a vibration between your caliper and pads. If that’s the case, the rotors may need to be resurfaced. On the other hand, the noise may be caused by simple dirt and dust build-up in the tires. A quick run through a car wash might resolve the issue.

Scraping

If you’re hearing scraping or grinding, you need new brakes. The noise is caused by metal parts rubbing against each other. When you take your vehicle to a mechanic, let him know about the noise you’re hearing. He won’t be able to simply put new disc pads on to fix the problem. Chances are, he’ll need to resurface the rotors and add new linings. This is not an issue that can be resolved from a “brake special.”

Pulsing Sensation

When you press down on the pedal and notice a pulse, that usually means the rotor has somehow become warped. This can happen for a few reasons, including your brakes overheating, the lug nuts being too tight, or rust having accumulated on the rotor. If you feel pulsing in the pedal, your mechanic will likely suggest resurfacing or replacing the rotor.

The important thing is that you fix brake problems quickly. Remember, glitches that seem minor (for example, low fluid levels) can easily lead to major issues later. If you notice any of the problems above, have your mechanic run a quick test on your braking system based on the warning signs I’ve described. Your safety, and that of your passengers, may be at stake.

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