Signs You Need Your Brakes Replaced

Whether it’s having your tires rotated, oil changed, or brakes replaced, it’s easy to let your car’s maintenance slip your mind. In the case of brakes, the service experts at World Ford Pensacola have put together the following list of signs you need your brakes replaced.

We’re dedicated to making sure our Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach area drivers are safe whenever they get into the driver’s seat. Accordingly, we want you to be able to recognize these signs in case they ever show up on one of your daily commutes.

Your Car Takes Longer to Stop

If you’re noticing that it takes longer for your car to stop or you’re having to push harder on the pedal than you used to, this may be the result of something called fading. Fading occurs when there is either an air or fluid leak within the brake system.

One way you can check to see if your brake fluid is leaking is to keep an eye out for puddling beneath your car.  

Vibration When Braking

Overheating can cause your rotor to warp. As a result, the brake pad will be unable to make smooth, even contact with the warped rotor. This can cause vibrating or shaking when you apply the brake.

Car Pulls to One Side

If your car tends to pull to the left or right when you come to a stop, there could be debris in the brake fluid or the brake pads could be unevenly worn.

Clicking

When brake pads come loose, the ensuing movement can cause clicking sounds when braking.

Squeaking When You Step on the Brake Pedal

There are several reasons why your brake pads might be squeaking. These range from simply being wet to being worn down and needing replaced.

Grinding Noises

Like squeaking, grinding noises can be caused by a range of issues. Grinding noises could also mean that the brake pads have completely worn down. In which case, they’ll need to be replaced.

Brake Light on Dashboard

When the brake light shows up on your dashboard, we recommend you take your car in to get it looked at.

Burning Smell

If you ever smell anything resembling burning coming from your brakes or any other part of your car, be sure to get it checked out right away. Burning smells tend to occur when brakes are overheated. After a brake pad is overheated, a glossy residue will form and greatly reduce a brake’s effectiveness.

How Long Do Brakes Last?

Generally, brakes last between 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Depending on terrain, use, and the quality of the individual brake, this range can certainly vary from brake to brake. That’s why we believe this list of signs you need your brakes replaced is a good thing to keep in the back of your mind throughout your travels.

Get Your Brakes Checked

If you are currently witnessing any of these signs, see an experienced automotive technician as soon as possible.

If you live in Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach and have any questions about the above signs or think you might be needing new brakes soon, contact World Ford Pensacola today.