There are times when you know you need to have parts of your car serviced. For example, you probably know you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles, rotate the tires and add more washer fluid when you tap on the button and no fluid sprays out.

Unfortunately, other parts of your car don't let you know they need extra attention until they've already started to break down. However, unlike dirty seats, when important equipment like the brakes malfunction it endangers your life.



If you haven't paid attention to your car's brakes, now is the time to start. This post discusses six ways your brakes let you know they need maintenance and how you can prevent problems down the road.

1. Your Brakes Squeal

When you slam on the brakes on the freeway, even the best brakes can skid. But if your brakes squeak whenever you use them, your brake pads have probably worn down.

Don't base your assumptions on sound alone, though. Look through the wheel spokes and make sure you can see at least a quarter-inch of brake pad through the wheel. If the pad is thinner than that, it's time to take your car into the mechanic.

2. Your Brake Pedal Sags

When you tap the brake pedal, it shouldn't sink toward the floor. Instead, it should have enough tension that you can control how much and how quickly you slow down. If the brake pedal feels like it sinks into the floor when you press the pedal, it's time for brake maintenance or even a total brake replacement.

3. Your Car Veers When You Brake

If your car pulls to one side or the other when you hit the brakes, it can be easy to assume that your car's alignment is off. However, the veering could mean there's some debris in your brake fluid or that your brake pads are wearing down unevenly.

4. Your Brake Pedal Vibrates

If your brake pedal vibrates when you step down or idle at a stoplight, it could mean your car is out of alignment. However, it could also mean that your brake's rotors have worn down, it really just depends on how you use your car the most.

It's more likely your brake rotors are worn-out than that the car is misaligned if you spend a lot of time off-roading down steep mountains, towing other cars or performing other activities that require you to brake for long periods of time. 

If your brake pedal and steering wheel both vibrate when you slow down, your front brakes probably need help. However, if your brake pedal and seat vibrate, though, your rear brakes are probably the ones at fault.

5. Your Brake Pedal Grinds

Typically, a grinding noise is more serious than a squealing noise because it indicates that your brake pads have worn-out entirely. The longer you drive with grinding brakes, the more likely it is for your rotors to be scored until the rotors are uneven and require total replacement.

6. You've Never Flushed Your Brake Fluid

Your brake fluid doesn't need to be flushed as often as your oil. However, over time, the brake fluid absorbs excess moisture from the air. The increased moisture in the fluid slows the brakes' response time. To make sure your fluid stays fresh, visit your mechanic for a fluid flush every year or two.

If you've noticed the warning signs above, or if you want a mechanic to flush your brake fluid, you can find a trustworthy mechanic at Midland Muffler. We can take care of your brakes - or any other part of your car that seems to require repairs. Contact us anytime with your questions.