6 Common Car Brake Problems and Symptoms

Your car’s brakes are arguably the most crucial safety feature. They are the sole reason you can slow down and come to a complete stop, preventing accidents and keeping you, your passengers, and others on the road safe. However, brakes wear down over time like any other car part and can malfunction.

It begs the question: How do you know when your brakes need attention?

Awareness of common car brake problems and their symptoms is vital for any driver. Early detection can prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs and, more importantly, potential accidents.

This article will delve into six of the most frequent car brake problems and the telltale signs that indicate they need professional attention.

1. Worn Brake Pads:

• The Culprit: Brake pads are the workhorses of your braking system. They consist of a wear indicator and a metal shim that scrapes against the rotor when the pad reaches its minimum thickness.
• Symptoms: A high-pitched squealing or grinding noise when applying the brakes is the most common symptom of worn brake pads. This sound is caused by the wear indicator rubbing against the rotor. Sometimes, the brake warning light on your dashboard might also illuminate.
• Fix: Ignoring worn brake pads can lead to metal-on-metal contact between the calliper and rotor, causing significant damage. Have your mechanic replace the brake pads at the first sign of wear.

2. Warped Brake Rotors:

• The Culprit: Brake rotors are the discs the brake pads clamp down on to slow down the wheels. Excessive heat, uneven pad wear, or improper installation can cause them to warp.
• Symptoms: When applied, a pulsating sensation in the brake pedal is a classic sign of warped rotors. It can also manifest as a vibration in the steering wheel during braking. Additionally, you might experience a decrease in overall braking performance.
• Fix: Warped rotors can sometimes be resurfaced by a mechanic, but in most cases, they require replacement.

3. Sticking Brake Caliper:

• The Culprit: The brake calliper is the component that houses the brake piston and squeezes the brake pads against the rotor. A sticking calliper can occur due to rust, dirt buildup, or a faulty piston seal.
• Symptoms: If you notice your car pulling to one side when braking, it strongly indicates a sticking calliper. It happens because the affected calliper is not releasing pressure on the brake pad, causing that wheel to drag. You might also experience a burning smell due to excessive friction in severe cases.
• Fix: A sticking calliper can sometimes be repaired with cleaning and lubrication, but replacement might be necessary depending on the severity of the issue.

4. Low Brake Fluid:

• The Culprit: Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transmits the pressure from your brake pedal to the callipers. Low brake fluid can be caused by a leak in the system or worn-out brake pads.
• Symptoms: A spongy or soft brake pedal that goes down further than usual before engaging is a telltale sign of low brake fluid. It translates to decreased braking power, requiring more pressure on the pedal to slow down the car. In some vehicles, the brake warning light might also come on.
• Fix: Never ignore a low brake fluid level. It’s crucial to have a mechanic inspect the system for leaks and top up or replace the fluid as needed. Remember, driving with low brake fluid is hazardous.

5. Leaking Brake Fluid:

• The Culprit: As mentioned earlier, leaks in the brake fluid system can lead to low fluid levels and compromised braking performance. Damaged brake lines, worn-out seals, or a faulty master cylinder can all cause leaks.
• Symptoms: In addition to the signs of low brake fluid, a visible leak under your car, particularly around the wheels or near the brake master cylinder, is a clear indication of a brake fluid leak. A burning rubber smell might also be present.
• Fix: A brake fluid leak is a serious safety concern and requires immediate attention from a qualified mechanic. Do not drive your car if you suspect a leak.

6. ABS Malfunction:

• The Culprit: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a safety feature that prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control. A malfunctioning ABS can significantly impact braking performance.
• Symptoms: The ABS warning light on your dashboard will illuminate if the system detects a malfunction. You might also experience a pulsating sensation in the brake pedal during hard braking, similar to warped rotors. However, unlike warped rotors, the ABS modulates the brake pressure automatically.

iTyreCare: Keeping You Rolling with Complete Brake Repair

At iTyreCare, we understand the importance of a safe and reliable braking system. That’s why we offer comprehensive car brake pad replacement service to ensure your car comes to a smooth stop every time. Our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect your brake pads, rotors, callipers, and lines, identifying potential problems.

Here’s what you can expect during a brake service at tyre care:

• Visual Inspection: Our technicians will meticulously examine your brake components for signs of wear and tear, including pad thickness, rotor condition, and leaks in the hydraulic system.
• Brake Pad Replacement: If your brake pads have reached their minimum thickness, we’ll replace them with high-quality parts to restore optimal stopping power.
• Rotor Resurfacing or Replacement: Depending on the condition of your rotors, we may resurface them to create a smooth braking surface. In severe cases, rotor replacement might be necessary.
• Caliper Cleaning and Lubrication: We’ll clean and lubricate the callipers to ensure they move freely and prevent sticking, a common cause of uneven braking.
• Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed: Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can lead to reduced braking performance. We’ll flush the old fluid and bleed the system to ensure fresh, clean fluid circulates throughout.

If your brake concerns extend beyond the core system, iTyreCare can address rim damage affecting brake performance. We offer rim repair services to ensure your wheels are perfectly round and true, preventing vibrations and ensuring optimal braking contact.

Don’t wait until your brakes fail. Schedule a brake service at iTyreCare today and experience the peace of mind that comes with a safe and reliable braking system.