When To Check Your Car’s Brake System

When is the best time to check your brakes?  From the sensation of a soft brake pedal, to sounds of a grinding vibration, it is never a great time to think about having a complete brake job done on your vehicle, but the alternative is even less attractive; having your brakes fail when you are driving. 

 
So what are the signs of impending brake failure that you should look out for?  The signs will be different depending on the type of brake system you have on your car.  Below is a list, but be informed that it is not a great idea to wait until your car has experienced every sign on the list before at least having the brakes checked, it is recommended to have them checked with the first sign on the list below that you notice;

 
The brake pedal is dropping lower which indicates there is less resistance
The pedal feels soft or requires pumping to get your vehicle to stop
It takes longer for your brakes to engage
Vibration is noticed as you apply pressure to the brake pad
Grabbing or pulling as you push the brake pedal

 
The more symptoms above that you notice, the more imperative it is to get your car in for maintenance of your brake’s as soon as possible.  Do not delay if you notice any one of the signs on the list, otherwise, the problems will without a doubt persist and progressively get worse, (and the severity of the problems may worsen very quickly) eventually endangering the safety of your vehicle.

 
Note that none of these symptoms necessarily mean that your brake system is failing, it could be that only one or two components are in need of repair, but it is not worth the risk to chance it by procrastinating for very long, have a certified mechanic at your local St. Louis Cross Keys Auto service center check your car’s brakes and ask about the auto financing program if you are looking to replace your old car.