How to tell if you need new brakes

Ensuring your brakes are working effectively is one of the most important safety features that you need to stay on top of. A functional brake system allows you to maintain speed of your vehicle, come to a stop when you need to and most importantly, perform an emergency stop quickly and safely.

But trusting that they will ‘just work’ and be checked as part of the annual MOT inspection, isn’t always enough to ensure your safety. This is why it’s important to recognise when there may be issues, such as needing new brake pads, or your brakes pads are wearing thin. Here are some of the top signs your brakes may not be working correctly, or that it’s time to invest in some new brakes:

Signs you need new brakes

 

Your brakes ‘lose’ their all-important bite

If you start to notice that your brakes are beginning to lose their all-important bite when you go to brake, it’s really important to have them checked.

Look and listen

There is an easy answer as to how to tell if you need new brake pads, and that is by looking and listening to the car as you drive. Simply turning up the radio or ignoring it unfortunately won’t make the problem go away! If you hear a grinding or squealing noise when you brake, the chances are that something isn’t right, and it’s important you don’t ignore this.

The grinding noise is a tell-tale sign that your brake pads or discs need replacing. The noise is commonly made by the metal disc and calliper rubbing together, and they will most likely need to be changed by a qualified mechanic who can ensure it is conducted safely, and correctly.

A squealing noise is most likely caused by rust on the brake discs, perhaps from your car being left in the rain for too long. This is usually quite easily fixed once you start driving it again, and the rust wears off. However, it’s recommended that you should take it to a garage if you are still unsure.

Pulling to one side

As well as being a sign of poor wheel alignment, if you feel your car pulling to one side as you brake, this could be a sign that the brake lining is wearing unevenly. Take your car to your garage to ask them to check the issue, as the brake fluid may need draining and replacing, or your brakes may need adjusting.

Vibration as you brake

If you feel a vibration or judder as you brake or slow your car down, this could be an indication that your brake discs are warped, and again may need replacing by a qualified mechanic.

Warning light comes on

If a warning light appears on your dashboard displaying the brake warning light, it’s really important to get your car checked quickly at your local garage, and not to ignore it. The light will be indicating that there is a failure in your brake hydraulic system. Without getting this checked and fixed, this could cause a serious accident.

Getting that ‘sinking feeling’

If your foot sinks to the floor when you brake, this also is a strong indication that something is wrong – and perhaps the brake system is leaking. Take your vehicle to your nearest garage to get it checked out, and our motoring experts will be happy to carry out a free brake check on your vehicle.

Handbrake sticking

If, when you take the handbrake off, you still feel resistance as you pull away, this could be sticking. It’s important to also get this checked – as a stuck handbrake could mean it causes friction, warming up the brake pads when in motion, and therefore cause wear.

Regular car maintenance and services

Don’t just wait until your annual MOT and service to keep on top of your car safety. Make sure you top up your oil and brake fluid regularly, and keep on top of any maintenance in order to keep yourself, passengers and others on the road as safe as possible. You can find out more about your brakes and how they can be fixed now.

To learn more information about keeping your car safe throughout the year, contact your local PTA garages for more details and assistance.