Essential Brake Tips to Ensure Your Safety

It’s essential to inspect your brakes frequently. Your car’s brake system consists of several parts, like brake pads and rotors, among others. If your brakes are failing or wearing out, there are definite signs to watch for. We at Crain Kia of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, AR, want to help you recognize these signs.

Screeching

When you’re out driving and hear a noise while braking, it’s a sign to get your car checked. AAA points out that if you hear a sharp, high-pitched, or grinding sound, it likely means your brake pads are worn out and need changing. Karim Nice from HowStuffWorks‘ blog mentions that this noise often comes from the brake pad’s wear indicator. It’s a sign that the pad is getting thin and starts rubbing against the disc, causing that squealing noise.

Vibration

If you’re on the road and you feel your brake pedal vibrating or pulsing, this might mean your rotor is not in good shape. According to Autozone‘s blog, if you hear grinding sounds or notice that it takes longer or feels inconsistent when you brake, it’s likely time to get your rotor replaced. They mention that rotors can last up to 60,000 miles if you do most of your driving on highways. However, if you’re mostly driving in the city with a lot of stop-and-go traffic, your rotors may only last about 20,000 miles. If you think your car needs new rotors, it’s a good idea to set up a time to visit the service team at Crain Kia of Fayetteville.

The Brake Pedal

Pressing the brake pedal should feel solid and stop the vehicle quickly. However, Chantel Wakefield mentions in a Kelley Blue Book blog post that if the pedal feels soft and spongy, it’s a sign your car might need repair. A few reasons this happens could be due to a leak in the brake line, not enough brake fluid, or air getting into the brake line. If you’re experiencing a soft brake pedal, it’s a good idea to get it checked by our certified service team.

Dash ABS Light

If you see your ABS light come on your car’s dashboard, it’s a clear sign you should check your brakes or have them looked at. Dustin Hawley from J.D. Power‘s blog shares that the ABS keeps an eye on the speed of your car’s wheels, making sure they all turn at the same pace. It uses a special tracker to notice any irregularities and lets you know by lighting up an alert on your dash. When this light turns on, it could mean a few different things, but according to Hawley, it generally boils down to one of four main issues.

Four Main Dash ABS Alerts

• The ABS Module isn’t functioning correctly.
• Your car is running low on brake fluid.
• There’s a problem with the sensors that measure how fast your wheels are turning.
• The system has been turned off.

Making sure your car’s brakes work well is crucial for your own safety and for everyone else driving near you. Look for any signs that your vehicle’s braking system might be malfunctioning. Don’t forget to book your upcoming maintenance check at Crain Kia of Fayetteville!

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