Bad Brakes? Here’s Your Best Advice to Keep You Safe

How to Tell If Your Vehicle Brakes Are Failing and What to Do

A severe thunderstorm warning has been in effect for us in Mechanicsburg. And the last thing you want when driving on rain-slicked roads is for your brakes to fail. Because, your vehicle’s brakes are critical for safety. And that makes recognizing signs of brake failure early essential for yourself and others sharing the road. So in this blog, the experts at Meineke in Mechanicsburg discuss how you can tell if your brakes are failing and what actions to take that save you time and money.

Signs Your Brakes Are Failing

1. Squeaking or Squealing Noise

   • If you hear a high-pitched squeak when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.

2. Grinding Noise

   • A grinding sound often means that the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal components are making contact. And this requires immediate attention at your locally-owned Meineke to prevent damage to the rotors.

3. Vibrations or Pulsations

   • If you feel vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal, it could indicate warped rotors. And this usually happens due to excessive heat and wear.

4. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

   • A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy when pressed can indicate air in the brake lines or a problem with the brake fluid. And this affects the brake system’s effectiveness and needs urgent checking.

5. Car Pulls to One Side

   • If your car pulls to one side when braking, it could be due to uneven brake pad wear, a stuck caliper, or a brake fluid leak.

6. Brake Warning Light

   • If the brake warning light on your dashboard illuminates, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong with your braking system.

7. Burning Smell

   • A burning smell after braking hard or during heavy braking can signal overheated brakes or a stuck caliper. And this requires immediate attention at your Mechanicsburg Meineke.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

1. Inspect the Brakes

   • Perform a visual inspection if you can. And look for worn brake pads, leaks, or damage to the brake lines.

2. Check Brake Fluid

   • Ensure your brake fluid is at the appropriate level. Because low brake fluid can lead to brake failure.

3. Visit the ASE Certified Mechanics at Meineke

   • If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to take your vehicle to the ASE certified professionals at Meineke in Mechanicsburg for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

4. Avoid Driving

   • If the brakes are severely compromised, it’s best to avoid driving your vehicle until the issue is resolved.

Preventive Maintenance

Regular brake maintenance can prevent most brake failures. So schedule routine checks and replacements of brake pads, rotors, and fluid. And the experts at Meineke can put together a maintenance schedule that works with your lifestyle, your schedule, and your wallet.

If the Meineke in Mechanicsburg is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 14 car repair centers is South Central Pennsylvania:

• Meineke Car Care Center – Pleasant View Road
  331 Pleasant View Rd, New Cumberland, PA   17070
• Meineke Car Care Center – Rodney Road
  1775 Rodney Road, York, PA 17408
• Meineke Car Care Center – South Queen Street
  855 South Queen Street, York, PA 17403
• Meineke Car Care Center – Market Street
  2301 E Market Street, York, PA 17402
• Meineke Car Care Center – 2nd Street
  201 N. 2nd Street, New Freedom, PA 17349
• Meineke Car Care Center – Baltimore Street
  871 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331
• Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Street
  1125 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331
• Meineke Car Care Center – Carlisle Pike
  6510 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
• Meineke Car Care Center – East Chocolate Ave
  1401 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033
• Meineke Car Care Center – Gettysburg Road
  2236 Gettysburg Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011
• Meineke Car Care Center – Jonestown Road
  4509 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109
• Meineke Car Care Center – Paxton Street
  3098 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111
• Meineke Car Care Center – Manheim Pike
  1220 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
• Meineke Car Care Center – Main Street
  5988 Main Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520

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