Signs That You Need New Brakes
Your vehicle's brakes are one of its most important safety features, yet they are subjected to daily wear and tear. Whether you drive a Chevrolet Malibu or a Hyundai Sonata, staying on top of your brake maintenance will ensure your safety while driving from Metairie to Harvey.
Suspicious SoundsIf you notice a new sound when you apply the brakes, that is a sign you need to get your brakes checked. The classic sounds you may notice include:
- Loud Squeal: The high-pitched sound is caused by a built-in indicator or a small metal shim. Once your brake pads have gotten too thin, this indicator will rub against the brakes to sound this warning sign.
- Grinding or Growling Sound: This type of sound indicates worn out brake rotors in addition to the worn out brake pads. Since this is a more costly repair, we recommend visiting your local Chevrolet service center as soon as possible when you hear the squeal of the indicators.
In addition to new sounds drivers often notice a change in performance as they make their way around New Orleans streets. Common performance changes include:
- Reduced responsiveness: If your brakes feel spongy that is a sign you might have an air or brake fluid leak.
- The vehicle pulling to one side: This might be a problem with unevenly worn brake lining or dirty brake fluid.
- Unusual vibrations from the brake pedal: If you experience this feeling warped rotors may be to blame. The brake pads can't grip the rotors sufficiently, so heat builds up and warping occurs.
Think you might need new brakes? Bring your vehicle in for an inspection at Leson Chevrolet and we can let you know for sure. One of the best ways to know how to tell when you need new brakes is to keep up with routine maintenance. This can help you catch small issues before they become major problems down the line. Schedule your service online today!
