Patrick Hyundai Explains: How to Know When to Replace Your Brakes

In our first blog of the month, we at Patrick Hyundai have outlined three signs to look out for when it comes to your brakes. If you notice any of the following, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle in to us for service. Don’t let your brake maintenance fall by the wayside!

Noisy brakes

That familiar sound of screeching brakes is clearly recognizable, but did you know that it doesn’t necessarily mean brake failure, in fact, this auditory indicator was built into your brakes to let you know when they need service!

Typically, when you hear this noise it’s the sound of a sensor within your brakes designed to detect metal wear. This sensor is giving you a heads up that it might be time to get some new brakes. It is important to note that you might also hear this noise when your vehicle has spent extended periods of time parked in damp conditions. In this scenario, thin layers of rust form on the brakes which can cause this screeching noise. The rust will eventually wear off after a short drive and several stops.

However, if you hear a grinding or growling sound, take your vehicle in for service immediately. This is a sign that you have worn down your brake pads completely. The grinding noise you hear is caused by the disc and caliper rubbing together which can scratch your vehicle’s rotors which can create an uneven surface on your rotors.

Low responsiveness

If your brake pedal feels like it sinks more than it should when you step on it, or if it feels like your vehicle takes longer than it should to come to a complete stop, this could mean that you are low on brake fluid or if there is a leak somewhere. Keep an eye out for brake fluid underneath your vehicle after it has been parked for a while. Brake fluid looks like clean motor oil. It’s recommended to take your vehicle in for immediate service if you notice a leak in brake fluid.

Pulling to one side

If you notice that your vehicle pulls to the right of left when you brake this could be a sign that some brakes are working better than others and have worn unevenly. This can also be a brake fluid issue as well. Regardless of the issue, it is also recommended to take your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.

If you are noticing any of these things in your vehicle, it might be time for some new brakes. Thankfully we at Patrick Hyundai can assist you! Schedule service with us today by giving us a call 847-230-8221 or clicking here