How to know when Brakes are Bad
Brakes are a part of a car that will wear out. One of the first signs that your brakes need service is that they are making noise when you stop. It is best to have the brakes inspected or look at them yourself every once in a while. Signs that the brakes need service are worn pads, gouged rotors, and excessive heat on operation. Brake pads will last for tens of thousands of miles, but they can also wear down sooner. In areas where salt is applied to the roads in winter, rust is also a problem.
As part of regular service, a check of brake fluid should be made. The fluid level can indicate wear of brake surfaces, as more fluid is required in the caliper when the pads wear down. Darkened fluid or a burned smell can indicate that the brakes are sticking and generating excessive heat. If the fluid level is far down, a leak may be indicated. Fluid level and condition is the first thing to check in a brake inspection.
The next step in inspecting the brakes is to look at the brakes themselves. On vehicles with open wheels, you can often see the brake calipers and discs through the wheel. If not, you will have to jack up the car and take off the wheel. This may actually be necessary to inspect the pad thickness. A good time to perform a brake inspection is when the tires are rotated. Be sure to verify any issues yourself if a shop tells you there is a problem, as service fraud is common.
In general, there should be at least a quarter inch of pad material left on the pads. Any less than an eighth of an inch and you may damage the rotors. There should be some brake dust on the caliper, but it should not carry over to the wheels much. Next, inspect the surface of the rotors. It should be smooth and free from grooves and rust. If the rotor is grooved it will have to be removed and turned, if possible, or replaced. There will probably be some rust on the caliper, but if there is rust on the surfaces where the pads slide, the brakes could drag.
You will need to test the brake pedal for and softness. The pedal should move, then hit a solid resistance. If there is air in the line or caliper the brakes will be mushy and will drag when the pedal is let up. If the brakes squeal when applied to stop the car, it indicates that the wear indicator is dragging and the pads need to be replaced.
It is important to know the signs your car needs brake service. Brake failure is dangerous. Also, you need to know when they need service so you will not be ripped off by unscrupulous auto service operations. Brakes should be checked regularly and any indications that they need work should be paid attention to as a part of regular maintenance.
