Don’t ignore your car’s aging brake system

Your car’s brake system is its most frequently used security system. A basic automobile equation states more usage equals more wear.

Ignoring an aging braking system is a mistake, and it can prove disastrous. Here’s a list of how you can detect aging brakes.

Bad Brake Scenarios:

Signs You Can See:
* Brake light on.
* Leaking fluid.
* Less than a quarter-inch of brake Pad.

Signs You Can Hear:
* Squealing or squeaking noises.
* Deep metallic grinding and growling.

Signs You Can Feel While Driving:
* Car pulling to one side when braking.
* Bouncing up and down when you stop suddenly.
* Spongy or soft brake pedal.
* Wobbling, vibration, or scraping when braking.

Signs You Can Smell:
* Burning rubber smell.

The Consequences Of A Bad Brake System

Destroyed Rotors
Your vehicle’s brakes and rotors are closely tied in performance and the rotors are the first to be affected with an aging brake system. Rotors work in sync with brake pads to stop your vehicle. As the car’s rotors wear, they become thinner and weaker. Weak rotors increase the risk of rotors cracking or breaking. Thin rotors reduce their ability to absorb and disperse heat, causing the brake system to overheat.

Bad rotors can still allow the car’s brakes to function. But as they wear and the brake pads reveal metal-to-metal contact, the rotor is destroyed and the car’s occupants are at risk.

Damaged Calipers
Calipers are the clamps that fit over the rotors and are part of the disc brake system. Calipers slow the car’s wheels by creating friction with the brake rotors. Once the caliper pads begin to wear, they grind against the rotors, causing damage to both.

You can detect damaging calipers by referring to the above-discussed signs you can hear and smell. Beware of squealing noises or a burning rubber smell while driving. Replacing the complete caliper is an expensive auto repair. Proactiveness with repair can end up saving a lot of money.

Worn Tires
Your car’s aging brake system can lead to irreversible tire damage. When you drive with brakes with worn pads, rotors and calipers, it will eventually lead to unbalanced and eroding tires and overall pro performance

Complete Loss Of Control
Gradual wear and tear of your vehicle’s calipers, wheels, brakes and rotors and prolonged ignore of the of warning signs, can lead to a crucial moment in which you can’t stop your car.

Conclusion: Responsible Car Care
Proper brake maintenance is essential and a priority. If you notice an issue, you can buy low-cost brakes and rotors. It helps to ensure road safety for all.