Signs You Need a Brake Replacement

Although brakes are a crucial component of cars, they are often overlooked until a significant issue arises. Since brakes and brake pads are vital to you and your vehicle’s safety, waiting until they stop working can put you and your family in extremely dangerous situations. Staying alert to potential brake wear and tear signs can ensure a safer drive. Below, we will dive into the top seven indicators for which you may need your brakes serviced. 

Top 7 Signs You Need Your Brakes Serviced

1. Leaking Fluid

One of the best ways to monitor your vehicle's brake condition is to spot brake fluid leaks. The hydraulic system, comprised of numerous interconnected components, relies on a healthy amount of fluid for efficient braking. Even minor brake fluid leaks can diminish your vehicle’s braking ability. Common areas for leaks include near the wheels and the junctions where rubber flex lines attach to brake calipers. 

2. Soft Brake Pedal

If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you press down on it, this usually means that there are issues with the vehicle’s hydraulic system. Common causes of soft brakes are air trapped in the brake lines, malfunctioning calipers, a compromised flex line, or a deteriorating master cylinder. Lower-than-normal brake fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir can also be a culprit in air infiltrating the system.

3. Hard Brake Pedal

If you experience a stiff or hard brake pedal, it usually means there is trouble with the power assist mechanism. Most vehicles use various systems to aid braking, such as vacuum, hydraulic, and electric. When these systems aren’t working properly, the brake pedal can become more challenging to push down fully. Typically, the root cause is a damaged connection or an obstructed master cylinder, which can be resolved entirely when diagnosed early enough.

4. Car Pulling One Way

If your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, this may indicate an imbalance in your brake system’s application. Possible reasons include uneven wear of brake components or even malfunctioning hardware. To ensure a safe braking experience, symmetrically addressing and replacing the necessary brake components is a great place to start.

5. Vibrations

Vibrations felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking are often from warped rotors. While there are many reasons rotors may warp over time, the most common cause is usually overheating, which leads to uneven surfaces if not addressed promptly. Service professionals may machine the rotors to smooth or replace them if the warping is too extensive.

6. It Takes Longer to Brake

If your vehicle begins taking a noticeably long distance to brake or halt, you might be experiencing brake fade. Temporary brake fade can arise after continuous braking on declines, which can cause the brake pads and rotors to overheat. Once in a while, this overheating isn’t detrimental to your brakes; however, if this issue persists, more advanced wear could require replacements.

7. Grinding Noise While Braking

A rough grinding sound while braking may indicate that your brake pads or shoes are worn down to their metal base. Driving under these conditions may compromise the brake’s efficiency and further damage the rotors or drums. If you hear these noises, you should seek immediate professional inspection. 

Have Your Vehicle Serviced at Nissan of Marietta

At Nissan of Marietta, we understand that servicing your car can feel like just another chore, so we aim to make the process as simple and streamlined as possible. Our factory-trained and certified TechXperts in our state-of-the-art service center will get your brakes, or whatever else your car needs, working right so you can get back on the road. If your vehicle needs servicing, schedule an appointment with us below: