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Your car's brakes are the number one safety feature keeping you and your loved ones out of harm's way on the road. Catching early signs of brake problems can help stop accidents before they happen, save you from emergency repair bills, and prevent breakdowns. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about brake system maintenance, from the signs that your brakes need service to how long brake service takes.
Common Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Attention
Taking care of your brakes before they fail isn't just smart, it's a must for staying safe on the road. The good news is that when your brake system needs attention, your car will give you clues — you just need to recognize these warning signs and take them seriously.
Dashboard Warning Lights
Dashboard alerts are your car's most obvious way of telling you that something's wrong or needs attention. These vary based on your vehicle's make and model, but here are the most common brake-related dashboard alerts:
- Brake system warning light: This typically indicates either a low brake fluid level or that the parking brake is engaged.
- ABS warning light: As its name implies, this means there is a problem with your antilock braking system.
- Brake pad warning light: Some vehicles have this special indicator, which lights up when your brake pads have worn down to the point of needing replacement.
Don't ignore these warnings, even if you think your brakes feel fine. Modern car computers often catch problems before you can feel them, which is especially helpful for a system as vitally important as your brakes.
Squeaking, Grinding, or Screeching Noises
Another clear sign of a brake issue is an unusual noise. Sometimes, weird sounds can indicate an issue as simple as a buildup of dust or debris, though if you hear high-pitched squealing or screeching when you brake, it likely means that the brake pads are worn down and need replacing. When they start to get thin, their wear indicators hit the rotors and emit those odd sounds as a built-in alarm system.
If the screeching noises turn to grinding sounds, it means your brake pads are completely worn down, which results in metal-on-metal friction between the backing plates and rotors. Not only is this unpleasant to listen to, but it also puts your entire brake system at risk of imminent damage. Before you irreversibly damage the rotors, stop driving and get your vehicle to a shop as soon as possible.
Spongy, Hard, or Vibrating Sensations
Brake pedals should feel solid and responsive. If they push down too easily, you could have air or moisture trapped in the brake lines, a worn-out master cylinder, or low brake fluid. Any of these issues can reduce the hydraulic pressure needed for properly functioning brakes. On the flip side, your brakes might be hard to press down or feel stiff. If this is the case, it likely means your brake booster isn't creating the vacuum it needs to power the rest of the braking system, though it could also be due to buildup in your brake lines, stuck calipers, or a leaking vacuum hose.
Your steering wheel can also give you clues about the health of your brake system. A shaking or pulsing steering wheel while you brake can indicate that something is out of alignment. Typically, this is because the rotors have worn down unevenly. If you catch this problem early, a professional technician can smooth out the rotors for you. However, if you continue to drive despite a vibrating wheel, the damage will likely worsen to the point that the rotors will need to be replaced.
Slow Or Inefficient Braking Response
The time it takes you to slow to a complete stop is based on both your reaction time and your vehicle's braking distance. An average car going 30 mph on a dry road has a braking distance of 45 feet, with a total stopping distance of 89 feet, or about six car lengths, once you factor in a single-second reaction time. A car moving at 50 mph requires approximately 125 feet of braking distance, and at 70 mph, this increases to 320 feet.
While your braking distance does depend on factors such as your vehicle model, tire tread depth, and current road conditions, it's important to recognize if your car takes much longer than this to stop. It's completely normal to require more distance for a full stop on a wet or muddy road, but if you notice that it's consistently taking you longer to slow down in normal conditions, some element of your braking system likely needs attention.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side
You might (correctly) assume that your vehicle veering to the side while you drive indicates an issue with the suspension, alignment, or tire pressure. However, drifting while braking could mean that there's uneven brake pad wear or another problem that's causing an unbalanced brake response. This can be dangerous, as it can reduce braking power, exacerbate uneven wear, and increase your risk of losing control of the vehicle. Since this type of wear and tear usually occurs gradually, it's best to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible once you notice it.
Consequences of Ignoring Worn Brakes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that only 2% of motor vehicle accidents are a result of faulty car parts, but brake issues are to blame for 22% of those vehicle-failure crashes, second only to tire problems. This clearly illustrates how vital it is to stay on top of your regular maintenance schedule. If that isn't enough motivation, delaying brake work often ends up causing worse damage that's costlier to repair — prompt service can save you hundreds of dollars in the long term.
Brake System Services
To properly care for your vehicle's brake system, it's important to follow your manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule. Here are the general guidelines for key brake services, along with the time frames you can expect for each step:
- Every 12,000 miles: You should have your brake pads and fluid level checked. This pretty simple service should only take about 15 to 30 minutes, though replacing bad brake pads can add another 30 to 60 minutes.
- Every 25,000 miles: If the brake fluid wasn't changed at the 12,000-mile mark, it should be refreshed now. This process should take less than an hour.
- Every 60,000 miles: At this point, the rotors should be inspected and resurfaced (or replaced, if needed), which usually takes one to two hours.
Keep in mind that you may need to schedule these services more often based on certain risk factors. For example, heat exacerbates the degradation of several brake system components, so driving around in hot Florida weather can require more frequent check-ups. The same goes for older cars — vehicles over 15 years old are 1.8 times more likely than new models to end up in a serious accident due to brake failure, so it's especially important to be proactive.
Keep Your Vehicle Safe With Hyundai Huffines Plano
Don't wait for your brake troubles to get worse — book a professional brake check-up today. Our trained mechanics at Huffines Hyundai Plano offer brake service for every make and model, combining factory knowledge with top-notch diagnostic gear. We'll help keep your vehicle and brake system in great shape so you and your loved ones stay safe on the road.
Image by Toby Hall | Licensed with Unsplash License
