In this blog entry, the professional Chicago roadside assistance service and Chicago vehicle recovery team here at Chicago Towing will detail some crucial signs of brake failure that might cause your vehicle to break down.
Strange Noises
If you hear a loud grinding or screeching noise when you activate the brakes, it indicates that your brake pads are seriously worn down, causing the caliper to grind on the brake rotor. This damages many of the metallic components of your brake system, which can lead to expensive repairs.
Brake Pedals
If your brake pedal is positioned lower than usual or requires much more pressure to activate, have your brakes inspected as soon as possible.
Shaking or Leaking Vehicles
If your car or steering wheel shakes a ton when you brake, you probably have warped brake rotors or drums. This makes it hard for your brakes to keep their grip and actually slow down the car. If your anti-lock brake system has low fluid levels – indicating a leak – the anti lock brake light will illuminate. Brake fluid is essential for activating your braking system – and brake fluid leaks of any sort need to be handled as soon as possible in order to make sure that driving is safe.
Pulling to a Single Side
Sometimes one aspect of your braking system is damaged while others are intact. This will cause your car to lean to just one side when you stop.
Surrendering Brakes
If your brakes suddenly stop working, make sure to downshift and slow down your vehicle. Turn to the right side of the road using your emergency brake, with warning lights on, and while honking to make room for your vehicle. Don’t turn your car in neutral or turn it off, as this might diminish your already limited braking power.
Burning Smell
Strong chemical burning smells might indicate that your brakes are overheating. Pull over your vehicle to a safe location and allow your brakes to cool down in order to prevent brake failure. Make sure to release the parking brake. Smoke coming from a wheel might indicate that brake calipers are stuck or experiencing issues – and if this is the case, driving before repairs can prove very dangerous.
