Five Signs It’s Time to Check Your Brakes

Having your brakes in good working condition can be a matter of life and death, but if you’re not a mechanic, you may have trouble spotting the warning signs of brake trouble. The good news is that once you know what to look for, it’s easy to tell when it’s time to let a professional look at your car. Read these five signs that can alert you to the fact that you need to make an appointment for brake maintenance in Gary, IN, and stop by Miller Brakes and Mufflers, Inc. for the help you need:

• Strange noises: If you’ve heard any strange noises when you’re braking, it’s time to get them checked. This could be a metallic screeching letting you know that your brake pads are worn thin. If you hear this noise frequently, take your car in for service. The one exception is if your car has been sitting for a period of time after it’s been in the car wash or a heavy storm—that can also cause the screeching noise. Be sure to check if you hear any grinding or growling. This can be an indicator that the disc and calipers are grinding against each other, and may require that your rotors be replaced or turned.
• Pulling: Sometimes a car will pull to the side while braking. This can indicate unevenly worn brake pads or foreign matter in the brake fluid. You may need to get the brake fluid drained and replaced.
• Vibrations: If your car is pulsing or vibrating when you brake, it could be an indicator that your car is out of alignment, or a sign of warped rotors. If you’ve recently been braking over long periods of time without engaging your anti-lock brakes (for example, while going down a steep hill), your rotors can wear unevenly.
• Worn brake pads: You should check your brake pads occasionally. Look through the spokes of your wheel to spot the metal rotor inside. Between the rotor and the caliper, you’ll see the brake pad. If it appears to be less than a quarter of an inch thick, or is wearing unevenly, it’s time to get your brakes serviced.
• Reduced responsiveness: Sometimes your brake pedal will be less responsive, or even “sink” to the floor. That can be an indicator of leaking brake fluid, or an air leak within the braking system. Check underneath your car to see if there are any puddles—brake fluid looks similar to motor oil, but is less greasy.

The brake specialists

Now that you know what to look for, call us to schedule your next service appointment. Contact the team at Miller Brakes and Mufflers, Inc. for brake maintenance in Gary, IN. We are the area’s family owned and operated go-to source for a full range of auto repair services. Our ASE-certified mechanics are ready to assist you with everything from brake maintenance in Gary, IN to complete engine rebuilding. Stop by today for friendly, personalized service, or give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: Brake Service

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