It goes without saying that your brakes are a very critical component in your car and if there is any problem with them and they are not functioning properly it is something you should aim to fix straight away.
Here is a look at some common brake problems and how to fix them.
Whether it is changing the brake pads, buying bleeder kits, or doing some routine maintenance, here are some tips to help you solve the problem.
When the pedal offers little or no resistance
It should be a cause for concern when you press down on the brake pedal and the response is not what you were expecting.
One of the most common issues is when your brakes feel a bit spongy when you press down on the pedal.
If you can actually press the brake pedal to the floor that is a strong indication that you may have a leak in your brake system.
Start by checking the brake fluid levels and then check if the master cylinder is leaking. Replacing the master cylinder should be carried out by a qualified mechanic but you can top up the brake fluid if you find that is low, then check it again to see if the level drops once again.
You find it hard to drive the car in a straight line
It is never a good idea to disregard problems that affect your ability to drive the vehicle safely and if you find that your car is pulling to one side rather than traveling in a straight line there are a couple of things to check.
A frozen caliper could make your car veer to one side and when it has become stuck in one position it will create uneven pressure on the rest of the pads, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
You could try and repair the caliper but it is not a DIY job and it can often be a better plan to replace rather than repair the faulty caliper.
A noticeable noise coming from your brakes
A noise coming from your brakes is never a good sign as there really should be minimal noise when they are working normally.
A grinding sound is normally a clear indication that a component within the braking system is faulty or worn and might need replacing. You may well have damage to the brake lining, or it could be the pads or drum that might need replacing.
Get the noise investigated immediately and remember that you could be putting you, your passengers, and other road users in jeopardy if you have brake issues.
As with a number of mechanical faults it is often better to take action straight away to fix the problem, especially when you are so heavily reliant on your braking system to stay safe.
If any of the brake problems mentioned strike a chord with you and sound familiar it is often more cost-effective, and safer, to be proactive and get them fixed before they create a more substantial issue in the near future.
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