Brake Bad
When you see the brake warning light coming on on your dashboard or hear noises every time you step on the brake pedal, there's little doubt you have problems with your brake system, or you need to replace the pads. However, there could be other times when you may be experiencing brake system problems that might not be as obvious at first, but just as well will affect your ability to control your vehicle while on the road. Here are some common symptoms that might be telling you that your car *brakes are badand need your immediate attention.Brake pedal problemsThe brake pedal on your car can give you more than one sign that your brakes are not operating properly. A *warped brake rotoror drum, for example, can cause your brake pedal to vibrate every time you step on the pedal. Other times, you may have to push hard on the brake pedal to slow down or stop your car. In this case, your problem might be in the caliper piston, brake line, master cylinder or brake booster.Other times, your pedal may feel very soft or spongy as if you were pushing on a rubber band. In most cases, air in the brake hydraulic system is behind this condition, but it can also mean problems with the master cylinder or brake shoes in need of adjustment.Similarly to a spongy brake pedal, you can feel the pedal dropping to the floor after you've applied the brakes without any problem. This may be pointing to a leaky master cylinder. A similar situation may occur when the pedal travels too far before the brakes respond. This situation, though, is more likely to occur when mechanical problems begin to affect the master cylinder, push rod, brake adjustment mechanism or the brake assembly itself.The worst case, though, will happen when you find no response from the brake system after stepping on the brake pedal. You may pump or step hard on the brake pedal, yet the brakes will fail to respond. It is very likely you have very low brake fluid in the system or no fluid at all. Either you have a leak or you have neglected to maintain the system properly.Other signs that your brakes are badNot only the way your brake pedal responds can be a sign of problems with the *brake system, but also the way the brakes themselves perform. You may notice, for example, that the brakes apply too fast even if you step lightly on the brake pedal. This could be a sign of problems with the brake booster, brake fluid, the linings or a mechanical problems in the system.Other bad brake symptoms may appear on a single brake assembly as well. A frozen caliper or wheel cylinder, a contaminated lining, or a mechanical problem in the assembly may cause your car to veer to one side as you apply the brakes. However, a stuck wheel cylinder piston, problems in the master cylinder or similar mechanical problems may cause your brakes to drag. In this case, you may feel the brakes still engaged for a few seconds even after releasing the brake pedal.If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms described here, have your car's brake system checked as soon as possible. The problem may not prevent you from using your vehicle or your brakes at the moment. However, if you neglect to fix it, sooner or later it can lead into a serious accident. Your car brakes are the most important safety system you have on the road. Don't neglect them.
