Learning About Vehicle Maintenance
Four Signs You Need to Give Your Car a Brake
Nicolas Denys
Your car's brakes are one of the most important pieces of equipment on your vehicle. Without properly working brakes, you will not be able to stop correctly and you will not be able to drive safely on the road. As a responsible driver, you should know the signs your brakes need a break.
1. Shakes and Vibrations
When you press on your brakes, you shouldn't notice anything other than your car slowing down. If you have to deal with your steering wheel vibrating and shaking every time you press on your brakes, that is a problem. You shouldn't feel like you are having to hold on tight to keep your vehicle driving straight just because you want to slow down. You should be able to effortlessly slow down without feeling your steering wheel shake and without worrying about why your vehicle seems to be vibrating. If the shaking only happens when braking, it is related to your brakes.
2. Loud Sounds
When you press on your brakes, you also shouldn't hear anything. If you hear that cringe-worthy sound of metal on metal, or just a very high-pitched squeaking sound when you press on your brakes, your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. This may not happen every time you press on your brakes, but you will only notice the sound when you are pressing on your brakes. Your car shouldn't just make loud sounds randomly.
3. Long Stopping Distances
Your vehicle should respond right away when you press on the brakes. If you slam on the brakes, it shouldn't take very long for your car to stop. If you feel like your vehicle is taking longer than it should to stop, something is not right with your brakes. You should never take longer than you expect to stop, unless you are driving on an icy or snowy road, in which case you may need to take some more space to stop.
4. Mileage Between Brake Changes
Finally, pay attention to how long it has been since you had your brake pads changes. Brake pads are not designed to last for the life of your vehicle and need to be changed out from time to time. If you are not sure how many miles are on your brake pads, your mechanic can do a quick visual inspection and let you know the overall condition of your brake pads.
When your brakes start giving you signs they need a break, you need to pay attention to what your vehicle is telling you. You don't want to drive a vehicle that is not able to stop when you need it to.
Contact a team like http://www.autoservicefairfax.com to learn more about brake replacement.
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Hello, my name is Valerie. Welcome to my site. I am here to help you better understand the importance of vehicle maintenance. Cars, trucks and vans all require an adequate amount of maintenance to remain in good operating condition. The maintenance tasks revolve around renewing moving parts and lubricants used throughout the vehicle. Although the bulk of the maintenance starts in the engine, the transmission, brakes and suspension components require care too. In fact, even the interior and exterior pieces in your vehicle require ongoing care. I will use this site to help you learn how to maintain your vehicle for years to come. Thanks.