When it comes to the safety of your car, truck, SUV or van, there is likely nothing more important than the braking system. As time passes, your car’s brakes suffer wear and tear.

Detecting a Brake Problem

you will need to be alert to recognize the symptoms of brake problems. For example, if you hear abnormal sounds when you apply the brake, particularly a squealing or grinding noise, then your brakes might be worn to the point that they should be checked. Other warning signs include…

• Dashboard brake warning light illuminated
• Brake pedal feels either softer or harder than usual
• Front-end vibration on applying the brake
• Pulling to the left or right on applying the brake

How About Anti-Locking Braking Systems (ABS)?

If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the ABS light on your instrument panel is illuminated, then your braking system could have an excess accumulation of metal particles resulting from braking. Some vehicles’ ABS systems will automatically shut down if this occurs, leaving you with braking but no antilock brake function to stabilize the car during hard braking.We recommend that you report this to your technician as soon as possible.

How to Keep Your Car's Brakes Healthy

Once brakes start to show signs of wear, they will continue to worsen and could eventually fail completely if not handled. So it is important to have your car’s braking system thoroughly inspected by a certified technician sooner rather than later. Typically, the technician would test drive the vehicle to check for potential braking problems and would also check the following:

• Brake warning lights on the dash control panel
• Brake fluid level
• Brake lining wear
• Condition of the rotors, calipers, drums, pads, pistons and brake lines

Prevent Problems With Brake Inspection

Even if you are not detecting any of the typical signs of brake wear, it is advisable to have a regular inspection of your braking system done by a certified technician to assure that your brakes are dependable. This service will usually include:

• Pulling the wheels and to inspect brake lines, hoses, pistons, brake pads, calipers and drums.
• Flushing the brake system
• Replacing the brake fluid (if it has been 2 years since last replacement)

Your certified technician will be able to tell you what type of brakes you have, how they can be adjusted, if/when your brakes should be replaced.

If you are having your car’s transmission serviced by the experienced technicians here at Broadway Transmission & More in York County, PA, feel free to consult us also about any braking issues you might have.