Warning Signs


Consumers Can Avoid Problems by Watching for Warning Signs
March 16, 2012
When it comes to your car’s safety, brakes top the list of systems that need
monitoring. However, many people are unaware of the signs that indicate a
car’s brakes may need maintenance or repair.
When it comes to your car’s safety, brakes top the list of systems that need
monitoring. However, many people are unaware of the signs that indicate a
car’s brakes may need maintenance or repair.
For routine maintenance, it’s important to check the vehicle’s braking system at
least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake
fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash
warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential
brake system problems.
It is important to be alert and recognize the danger signs of brake problems.
Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing,
low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.
“Sometimes it’s only a few miles between a soft brake pedal and a pedal that
goes clear to the floor,” said Stephen Powell, NAPA/ASE Technician of the
Year and owner of Thoroughbred Transmissions & Auto Care, Inc. in Laurel,
Md. “But consumers easily can protect themselves from brake failure by
watching and listening for a few simple clues.”
Powell says noise is one of the leading indicators that something is awry with
brakes. “Any out of the ordinary sound is often a sign that brakes have worn to
the point they should be checked,” he said. “Watch especially for a grinding
noise, and if your brakes typically throw off brake dust on your wheels, look for
a sudden increase or decrease in dust.” He added that finding small metal
flakes on the wheels is also a sign that brakes should be checked.
Another leading indicator is the feel of the brake pedal, Powell said. If the car
pulls left or right when braking, or if the front end shakes, those are both signs
of excessive brake wear. If the brake pedal begins to feel spongy, it could be a
sign that air has entered the brake system or fluid is low.
“A mushy brake pedal, along with a decrease in brake fluid, could also indicate
brake wear,” Powell added. “Check the brake fluid reservoir to make sure it’s
topped off. If not, then brake fluid is likely remaining at the wheel to fill the
space caused by wear.”
Many cars now have ABS (Automatic Braking System) that initiates a rapid-
fire pumping sequence to the brakes to keep the car straight during sudden or
hard braking. “If the ABS light illuminates on your instrument panel, then it’s
likely that the wheel sensors have detected excessive build-up of metal particles
from the brake system,” Powell said. “Most cars are designed to shut down the
ABS when excessive particle build-up occurs.” Powell added that a shutdown
ABS does not prevent you from stopping, just that the ABS feature isn’t
working.
Other tips:
· Wheels should be pulled and brakes checked once a year by an
ASE- Certified technician. “It’s not uncommon to replace brakes
after 12,000-15,000 miles,” Powell explained. An inspection typically
includes the rotors, calipers, drums, pads, pistons and brake lines.
· Brake systems should be flushed and brake fluid replaced every two
years. “Brake fluid absorbs moisture in the system and becomes
acidic after two years or 30,000 miles,” Powell said.
· Check your owner’s manual or ask your ASE-Certified technician to
see what kind of brakes your car has and how they are adjusted. For
example, most drum brakes are self-adjusting by backing up or
engaging the emergency brake.
· Regardless of care, brakes should most likely be replaced every
20,000- 30,000 miles. “Of course, how and where someone drives
will greatly influence when brakes should be replaced,” Powell
emphasized.