The most common brake problems
The most common brake problems:
As arguably the most important safety feature of any vehicle, it is paramount that your brakes are working optimally all the time to ensure that neither you, your passengers, or any other road users are endangered. Therefore, this month we’ll be looking at the most common problems drivers can expect to find with their brakes should anything go amiss, thereby enabling you to keep an eye out for the telltale signs of faults with your brakes that could put you at risk.
Your brake pedal feels soft
If your brake pedal begins to feel soft and provides little resistance when you apply pressure to it, there could be something drastically wrong with your brakes. Particularly before long trips – though you should check more regularly than that – you should, while stationary, apply pressure to the brake pedal and note whether or not the resistance it gives is normal or reduced.
One of the explanations for the problem occurring could be that brake fluid is leaking from the braking system, but whatever the cause may be, a soft brake pedal should be taken as a serious fault in your braking system and you should not drive the vehicle until the problem has been remedied.
Your car pulls to one side
If your car pulls to the side when you brake, it could be a sign that the calipers of your vehicle have frozen in place (for instance, if a piston has become stuck in its boring) and as such your vehicle is not safe to drive. If it veers to one side you do not have full control of your vehicle, and therefore you and any other road users are in danger.
Your steering wheel shakes when you brake
All braking should be controlled, and, as the key mechanism with which you control the direction of your car, your steering wheel should never shake as you brake. The steering wheel is excellent at communicating not only the state of the road to you, but also the condition of your car, so if it acts out of character in this way, you must see a mechanic.
Your brake pedal pulses
As we highlighted earlier, there should be constant resistance to be felt from your brakes. Consequently, pulses felt from your brake pedal should serve as a red flag that there are problems with your brakes. Due to the pressure and use they sustain, over time your brakes will become worn and less effective, with pulses acting as a warning that this wear and tear has gone too far and must be seen to. Brakes are a perishable component of your car and need to be replaced regularly; routinely servicing your car can help to identify if your brakes have become uneven and ineffective.
Your car shakes during braking
At this point it should be clear to you, were it not already, that all braking should be controlled, and that if it is not you cannot be said to be driving safely while on the road. If the brakes are working properly, the car should come to a quick and secure stop, but if the whole chassis shakes during braking then something is amiss. Carrying out a service right away will find the problem and fix it before it becomes worse.
Munster Tyres and Servicing have been a leading provider of tyres and car servicing to the Fulham and North London areas for 40 years. Our team of experienced professionals are experts when it comes to caring for your car’s bodywork. For more information about booking your car in for a service or repairs, contact our friendly team today.