Auto Brakes: 3 Possible Problems
Do you ever put your foot on the brake pedal and find yourself praying that your car will stop? If so, it is probably time for you have your car inspected to check its road worthiness. The brake system on your car will only work for a limited period before it needs servicing or repair. As the parts of the brake system become worn, your brakes will become less effective and may even begin to fail, placing your life and the lives of any passengers at risk. Below is a guide to 3 ways in which your brakes can fail.
Low brake fluid
If you notice that your brake people can be depressed much further than usual while also providing reduced braking action, the likely culprit is low brake fluid. The first thing you should check should be the level of the fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. The reservoir can usually be found beneath the hood of your car. If you are unsure where to find the brake fluid reservoir, you should check the owner's manual. If the fluid is low, you should top it up. However, you should keep a close eye on the brake fluid level. If the level of brake fluid quickly falls again, this suggests that your brake system may have a leak.
Air in the tubes
Over time, air can enter the tubes which carry the brake fluid around the brake system. The brake fluid in the tubes is compressed when you place your foot on the brake pedal. The compression of the fluid magnifies the force you placed on it and in turn puts pressure on the brake pad which presses against the wheel and slows its revolutions. When air enters the tubes, it can interrupt this process and result in your brakes not being as effective as they should be. The tubes will need to be bled of air and refilled with brake fluid. If you are unsure how to do this, you should contact an auto repair shop.
Worn brake pads
Finally, it could be that the brake pads on your vehicle have worn down. The brake pads are the part of the brake system which comes into direct contact with the spinning wheels to slow them down. During the process of slowing your car, a lot of friction is created which will eventually cause the surface of the brake pad to wear down. If your brake pads are worn, you may hear a strange squealing sound when you apply the brakes. If you suspect your brake pads are worn, you should have them replaced at an auto repair shop.
If you would like further information, you should contact an auto repair shop today.
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