How To Know You Need New Brakes

Your brakes may not be something that remains on your mind on a regular basis, but this is a feature that should always be functioning properly. Here are several ways to determine whether or not your brakes are in need of servicing.

  • First, be sure to check your brake pads for wear through the spokes of your wheels. The pad on the outside should press against the rotor. The pad should be at least 1/4 inch. If you see anything less than that, have your brakes inspected.
  • If you’re noticing that when you press on the brake pedal and there is a delay in response, this could be a red flag. Your vehicle could potentially be experiencing an air leak in the brake hose or a loss of brake fluid. Keep an eye out for a puddle under your vehicle after it’s been sitting. Brake fluid looks like oil, but has a less slimy texture.
  • If you happen to notice that your vehicle pulls to one side or another when braking, this is could be caused by brake linings are wearing inconsistently. This will call for either an adjustment or a draining and replacing of the fluid.
  • One of the last ways to tell that your brakes need servicing is if you begin to hear a grinding or squeaking noise.That’s resulting from two pieces of metal rubbing together and means that your pads have completely worn down. This can make the surface of your rotors become uneven.

So if you’ve noticed any of this signs with your vehicle, call Japanese Car Specialties at 949-583-0811 to schedule your appointment today. We provide quality brake repairs for all of Mission Viejo, CA.