Do I Need New Brakes?

How to tell if brakes are worn out

“Hmm, are my brakes still working like they should?" It's an essential question! Brakes are important to our cars, keeping us safe by letting us stop when we need to. Let's discover how to tell if they are feeling a bit worn out.

Why Brakes Are So Important

First, let's chat about why brakes matter so much. They're like the shoes on our feet! Just as shoes help us stop when running, brakes help cars stop when driving. If our shoes get old and slippery, it's harder to stop. The same goes for brakes!

Signs Your Brakes Might Be Worn Out

Here's what to look for:

1. Screechy Sounds: If your car sounds like its screeching every time you hit the brakes, those could be the brake pads telling you they're worn down. It's their way of saying, "Hey, I need a change!"
2. Vibrating Brake Pedal: When you step on the brakes, does your foot shake? It might mean your brakes are having issues.
3. Car Pulling to One Side: If your car's pulling to one side when you try to brake, it could be a sign that one side's brakes are more worn than the other.
4. Brake Pedal Feeling Mushy: If pressing the brake feels like squishy instead of firm and responsive, there might be a problem.
5. Warning Lights: Our cars are smart! Some cars have warning lights on the dashboard that light up when the brakes need to be checked out.

What Causes Brakes to die over time?

Just like sneakers, if you use them every day, brakes can wear out from lots of use, especially in busy traffic. Also, if you love speedy starts and sudden stops, that can make them wear them down faster too!