Your cars brakes are the most important safety system in your vehicle, not only for you and your passengers, but for other road users too. When travelling at just 30mph it takes an average of 75 feet to bring your vehicle to a stop, increasing to a huge 315 feet at 70mph, and that’s assuming your brakes are in perfect working order. The difference between functioning brakes and worn out ones really can be the difference between life and death, so ensure you know the warning signs that your brakes need to be replaced.
When you brake, listen for any unusual noises, such as a grinding or high-pitched squeal, emitting from your wheel as this often indicates your brake pads need replacing or that something is getting stuck on your discs. Either way, you’ll need to get your brakes professionally checked as soon as possible. Even if you’re not 100% sure, bring your car in to our expert brake technicians at Sunrise Service & MOT Centre who will happily check them over.
When your brakes are working properly, the pedal should feel relatively firm when you apply pressure and should get progressively harder the more you press. However, if the pedal feels ‘spongy’, this can mean your brakes are not working effectively due to a leak in the brake lines, the pedal needs adjusting or, in the worst-case scenario, your whole system is failing.
If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal when applying the usual amount of pressure to stop, it could be because you have warped rotors which are rubbing against the brake pads (note, this does not apply during an emergency brake).
Over time, brake pads wear thin and become less effective at slowing down your car so check their thickness regularly. On most vehicles you can see the brake pads when you look through the spokes of your wheel, (you’ll see a shiny metal disc partly encased by a metal caliper, between the disc and caliper is the pad) the brake pad should be at least 5mm thick. While you’re looking at the pads, examine the usually smooth surface of the disc at the same time to check for wear and tear.
If you’re worried about the brakes on your car, don’t put off getting them sorted. Sunrise Service & MOT Centre are the leading car specialists in Blandford and your number one choice when it comes to checking, repairing or replacing your car brakes. Contact us today on 01258 459 798 to make an appointment.