4 Signs Your Brakes Need To Be Serviced

One of the most important parts of your vehicle is the brakes. The brakes allow you to control your vehicle, which is why it is so important to take care of your brakes.  

Sign #1: Brake Light Illuminated 

First, you will want to pay attention to the lights that illuminate your dashboard. If the brake light is illuminated on your dashboard, you will want to get your brakes inspected.  

Most vehicles have two warning lights that the brakes can trigger – the Antilock Braking System (ABS) brake light or the circular brake light symbol with an exclamation point in the middle. If either of these lights is illuminated on your dashboard, you will want to get your brakes checked out. This is a strong warning sign that something is wrong with your brakes. 

Sign #2: Steering Wheel Vibration 

Second, you will want to pay attention to any vibrations that your steering wheel provides you when you are braking. If your steering wheel tends to shake when you apply your brakes, that is a sign that you have brake issues. You may have warped rotors or you may have a brake caliper that is going out. Both of these brake issues can cause vibrations in your steering wheel when you are applying your brakes.  

If the brake calipers are wearing down, they can get stuck and hold the brakes in place, leading to shaking in your steering when you are not applying the brakes.  

Sign #3: Leaking Fluid 

Third, it is important to pay attention to any fluid that is leaking out of your vehicle. If you have fluid leaking out around any of your tires, that can be a sign that you have a leak or damage to your brake lines, which are located behind the wheel of each of your vehicles.  

Leaking brake fluid is serious; the fluid is contained within the cylinder and creates the hydraulic pressure needed to control your brakes. Without enough fluid, your brakes are not going to operate correctly.  

Sign #4: Soft Pedals 

Fourth, when you are driving and press on your brakes, you should get a consistent amount of pressure and resistance from the pedal. If you notice that your brakes seem to be soft and that you can push them further down than you should or push them down faster and with less resistance, that is a serious problem. If your brakes are not showing the right resistance level, that means that the master cylinder isn't working right or that the brake system has moisture.  

Your brakes are essential to the safe operation of your vehicle, which is why you should pay attention to any warning signs your vehicle provides you. Find some local shops in your area for brake services to keep your car in good condition.