Five Early Warning Signs You Need New Brakes

The new year is here, meaning that unfortunately, your car is officially one model year older. That also means your brakes have accumulated another year’s worth of wear and tear. Luckily, by remaining attentive to subtle signals from your brakes, you can avoid potentially costly service estimates this year. Furthermore, being able to identify and quickly act upon these signs is a key to extending your vehicle’s overall lifespan.

Courtesy of the service professionals at Healdsburg Chevrolet, here are five warning signs that suggest it’s time to replace your brake pads or rotors.

High-Pitched Screeching 

Often, you hear brake problems before you see or feel them. That’s thanks to the high-pitched screech that emits from the brake pads as they gradually wear down. Interestingly, the screeching sound is not directly caused by worn-out brakes; manufacturers intentionally insert a piece of metal within the brake pads to alert you when a replacement is required.

If you’re still hearing a squealing even after installing new brake pads, it’s possible that your rotors might be glazed. This happens when the metal gets heated up and burns because of excessive braking. Take a look at your rotors for any blue marks or dark rings; either is a sign that you need to replace the rotors as well.

If you notice a harsh, metallic sound rather than a high-pitched squeal, it indicates that your brake pads have completely worn out past the point where replacement is possible. Immediately take your vehicle to us for brake service, as ignoring this issue could lead to severe safety repercussions.

The Eye Test 

Sometimes you don’t have to overthink things. Thoroughly inspect your brake pads frequently, because if it look like they have a problem, it’s likely because they do. If you’re having trouble locating them, they’re wedged between the wheels’ spokes, pressed up against the rotors. Measure the pads, and if you find they’re less than a quarter of an inch thick, it’s time to schedule your service at Healdsburg Chevy.

Performance Anomalies 

When your brakes stop responding as quickly as they should, it may be a sign of a leak in your braking system. If your brakes are sending out vibrations (the kind that causes your steering wheel to shake, not the good, Beach Boys kind), either the brake pads or rotors are crying out for your attention.

Your brakes are always sending messages like these to alert you to their condition. The more in tune you are with your vehicle, the better you’ll become at assessing when and why your vehicle is behaving unusually.

Extreme Sensitivity 

Perhaps you started your Chevy Trax this morning only to find your brakes behaving with unusual sensitivity, jerking you to a halt at the slightest tap of the brake pad. This could be due to either the rotors wearing down unevenly or the brake fluid needing replacement.

Conversely, you could encounter a situation where your brakes become unresponsive unless you apply excessive force. This could indicate low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or even a potential problem with your car’s hydraulic system.

Puddle of Doom 

The worst sight on a beautiful sunny day is finding a puddle formed beneath your stationary car. You hope it’s residue from an overnight shower, but considering that the rest of your surroundings are dry as a bone… it’s most likely your brake fluid leaking. You should be able to distinguish between regular motor oil and the thinner consistency of brake fluid. In either case, your car is thirsty and needs more fluids, stat.

Give Me a Brake

Don’t leave your fate in the hands of of worn-out brake pads, glazed rotors, or a faulty hydraulic system. Visit us at Healdsburg Chevrolet today, where we never put the brakes on a good deal. In addition to servicing your brake pads or rotors, our team will provide your vehicle with battery diagnosis, oil changes, and whatever else it’s calling out for. With Sonoma Valley’s most trusted Chevy dealership, satisfaction is just a stop away.