When you think about your vehicle's safety systems, you probably think of the rearview camera that shows you what's behind the car or maybe the air bags that protect you and your passengers. However, one of the most vital and often overlooked safety systems in every vehicle is the brakes. Without functional brakes, you wouldn't be able to stop or slow down safely. Check out some of the signs that your brake pads are in need of attention.
Unpleasant Sounds
One of the first indicators that your brake pads are nearing the end of their life span is hearing a lot of
strange sounds when you stop. You could hear grinding, squeaking, or squealing, any of which will indicate that the brake pads have disintegrated, and metal components are now rubbing together. The grinding sound is especially concerning as it means that the pads are essentially gone and the metal is rubbing against the brake rotors.
Continuing to drive when you hear these sounds is risky, so get your vehicle in for a replacement service as soon as possible. You could end up causing more damage to the rotors, which will be more expensive and time-consuming to repair.
Unresponsive Brakes
Another sign that your brake pads are wearing out is an unresponsive pedal. As you drive, you become more familiar with how much pressure it takes to slow the vehicle to a stop. If your brake pedal suddenly feels spongy or requires a lot more pressure, this is a sign that something is wrong within the system. You should avoid driving the car until you have the brakes checked out, as you could end up not being able to stop if the problem is serious enough.
Pulling to One Side
If your car is pulling to one side or another rather than traveling in a straight line, you may think the alignment is off. This is a common cause of pulling to the left or right, but it's not the only cause. In fact, unevenly wearing brake pads can also cause the vehicle to feel like it's out of alignment. In this case, get your car checked out by an experienced technician who can inspect the alignment, tires, and brake pads. If the alignment and tires check out, the brake system may need to be adjusted to ensure even wearing of the pads.
Vibration
When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, feeling a sudden and sharp vibration is a warning sign. This could indicate that your rotors have warped, which impacts the brake pads and their ability to perform. The feeling is similar to what you might feel when you hit the brakes hard and the anti-lock braking system engages. Rotors usually become warped when driving habits put excess, prolonged friction on the braking system, such as pulling heavy loads for long periods of time or descending down steep hills.
At
Darcars Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Rockville, our experienced service technicians can inspect and replace your brake pads. We work with owners of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles, so contact us to schedule your service appointment and drive safer.