When you’re having a problem with the brakes on your car, it’s a problem you need to deal with right away. Postponing dealing with malfunctioning brakes can make mechanical problems worse, and it can also lead to an accident.
Brakes are one of the most vulnerable components of any automobile because of the tremendous stresses on them. When brakes slow a car, they are turning friction into heat, and, when they are slowing a vehicle from highway speeds to a halt, they can become red hot. The wear and tear adds up over time.
- Rattling
If you’re hearing a rattling noise that is similar to the sound a can of spray paint being shaken up, it is likely coming from your brake pads. You will likely hear the sound just after you take your foot off of the brakes.
The pads are expanding because of the heat, and this causes the rattle. Often this noise is harmless and doesn’t necessarily mean that the brakes are unsafe, but always confirm this with a mechanic. Furthermore, if you are hearing the noise when your foot is on the brake pedal, then there is a real problem.
- Grinding
If you feel or hear brake grinding, then a mechanic needs to check out the situation immediately. The sound usually means that your pads and rotor discs are worn down, and this can cause the brakes to fail entirely.
Sometimes, a grinding noise means that a stone or other foreign object has gotten lodged in the brakes, and that’s a quick fix for a mechanic. When this is the case, the sound is consistent and clear. Other times, it means that you’ve put off having your brakes serviced for too long, and they are slowly starting to fail.
- Fading
Brake fading occurs when the brakes are being overworked and can’t cool down enough to function properly. This often occurs when brakes are being used for long periods of time when descending a steep hill or mountain. Brakes that are fading will require more pressure on the pedal to slow the car, and they can fail entirely.
If your brakes are fading, then pull over the car and let them cool. You can also drive your car in lower gears to take the stress off of the brakes in these situations. Additionally, it’s wise to carefully check your brake hydraulics.
