When Is It Time to Replace My Brakes?

Your vehicle’s braking system is one of the most crucial systems of your car or truck. Improperly functioning or worn out brakes turn your car into a serious threat to yourself and every other motorist on the road. But do you know when it’s time to replace your brakes? It can be tough to tell if you don’t know any of the signs that they’re beginning to wear down. Continue reading to gain some helpful insight from your trusted brake shop in Gary, IN:

• The brake pads look thin: You don’t even need to start driving to be able to tell that it’s time to replace your brakes! All you have to do is look down at your wheels and observe the brake pads, the device pressed against the metal rotor. If that pad looks less than ¼” thick, you need to bring your vehicle to a brake shop in Gary, IN for brake replacement as quickly as possible. And if you’re not especially car-savvy, just bring your car to us! Our professionals are happy to inspect your brake pads for you.
• Reduced responsiveness: Every vehicle’s braking system responds differently when pressure is applied to the pedal. There are some cars with really touchy brakes that will come to a stop with a simple tap of the pedal. On the other hand, other cars won’t slow down unless more pressure is applied. But no driver should need to put his or her foot all the way to the floor mat to come to a full stop. If you feel like you’re having to apply more pressure to your brakes than you used to, give us a call or visit or shop to set up a brake replacement appointment.
• Weird noises: If you’ve ever heard a car screeching as it begins to slow down, you know how annoying the sound is. It’s not just an annoying sound, though—that high-pitched squeak is a sign that the car’s brake pads need to be replaced as soon as possible. The screeching noise is caused by a wear indicator installed by the car’s manufacturer that’s designed to alert you that it’s time for new brakes. If you don’t listen to the screeching noise, you’re bound to hear an even worse noise later down the road. After the pad has worn all the way through, you’ll begin to hear a metallic grinding noise. The grinding sound is the result of the disc and caliper rubbing against one another. If that’s the case, you may need expensive repairs.
• Pulling: If you notice that your car is pulling to one side or another when you begin to slow down, you’ll want to visit a brake shop for an inspection. This can be a sign that your pads are wearing unevenly, or that you have something else slightly wrong that needs to be adjusted.

If you notice any of these signs, bring your car to our brake shop in Gary, IN today. Sudden summer showers can make the roads slick and incredibly dangerous for anyone with old and failing brakes. Make sure the experts at Miller Brakes and Mufflers, Inc. have a chance to look over your brakes before it’s too late!

Categorised in: Brake Shop

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