Brakes are extremely important to the safety of yourself and others on the road. They are one aspect of routine maintenance that should never be ignored. Our team of car accident lawyers want you and your loved ones to arrive at your next destination safely. Here are some indicators to watch for:
Brake Lights
The first and most obvious sign is usually your brake light. This is a red or yellow light on your dashboard that comes on when your brakes need an inspection or if something is wrong. Be sure to familiarize yourself with what the different dashboard lights mean.
Grinding or Squealing Sounds
The winter weather can cause brakes to grind or squeak, but so can thin brake pads. If the cause is ice and snow, then the sound should go away once your car heats up. If the sounds persist, then we suggest having your brake pads replaced before they begin causing rotor damage—which can be a lot more expensive.
Spongy or Soft Pedal
As car accident lawyers, we strongly suggest paying attention to this indicator. If your pedal feels soft of spongy, it could mean that your brake fluid is leaking. There is less hydraulic power behind your brake and that can decrease your ability to stop. This can cause big problems, especially if you need to make a sudden stop to avoid a collision.
Burning Smell
If you smell a sharp, chemical sort of odor after doin a lot of braking, this is a sign of either overheated brakes or an overheated clutch. Make sure to pull over as soon as you find a safe spot. Check your parking brake to make sure that it is fully released and give your brakes a a chance to cool down. Otherwise, you might heat the brake fluid to boiling, which can cause the system to fail altogether.
Wobbling or Vibrating
If you have any wobbling in your steering wheel or if you feel any vibrating when you apply the brakes, you likely have an uneven rotor. There are many reasons this can happen, such as rust or normal wear-and-tear. Make sure to have it serviced by a professional since there are very strict specifications for rotor disks.
As car accident lawyers, we know that car maintenance is big part of being a responsible driver. Unfortunately, it can be easy to overlook. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s carelessness, our team of car accident lawyers can help. Visit our website today to learn more.
Sources: https://www.lesschwab.com/article/never-ignore-these-8-warning-signs-of-brake-problems.html