How To Know Your Brakes Need Service

No matter how advanced safety and driver assistance features get, nothing is more important than your brakes system. In fact, many advanced safety features rely on your brake system to function. Forward collision mitigation, parking assistance, pedestrian detection — none of these features will function properly if your brake system is malfunctioning. For that reason, it’s paramount that drivers keep their brake system in pristine condition with routine maintenance, but how can you know when your brakes need service? Keep reading to find out.

Is Your Brake Light On?

There are a few surefire ways to tell if your brakes need service. The first is the most obvious — your brake light is on. Your brake light looks like two circles with parenthesis around them. One will have an exclamation point in the center. The other will have a “P” in the center. Some vehicles have the letters “ABS” in the center,  or the word “BRAKE” beneath the symbol. If this warning light is illuminated on your dashboard, your brakes need attention.

Sounds That Mean Your Brakes Need Service

As a responsible driver and car owner, you should pay attention whenever your vehicle starts making noises that aren’t normal. If you here a loud, high-pitched squealing noise, it’s an indication that your brake pads have become worn and you should schedule a maintenance appointment to have them replaced. Another sound that indicate your brake system needs service is a rough, grinding noise. When you hear this sound it means your brake pads are completely worn out and they need to be replaced immediately.

Other Signs Your Brakes Need Service

Sounds aren’t the only indication of brake system malfunctions. Other signs include:

• Your car pulling to one side as you drive
• Feeling your brake pedal or steering wheel shake when your apply the brakes
• Your brakes feel spongy when your press the brake pedal, or the opposite — your brake pedal feels stiff and hard to press.

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Where to Get Brake Services in Canton, Texas

When you notice these signs that you need brake service you can schedule a maintenance appointment with the reliable and trust worthy team at Canton Ford. We’ll evaluate your brake system, make the proper repairs and get you back on the road safely.