Five Early Warning Signs You Need New Brakes

2024 is here, which means, unfortunately, that your car is now officially one model year older. That also means your brakes have accumulated another year’s worth of wear and tear. Luckily, by remaining attentive to the subtle cues your brakes feed you, you can be proactive in avoiding expensive repairs this year. Identifying these indicators and taking prompt action can significantly prolong the life of your vehicle.

Courtesy of the service professionals at Healdsburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, here are five warning signs that suggest it’s time to replace your brake pads or rotors.

High-Pitched Screeching 

Often, you hear brake problems before you see or feel them. That’s thanks to the high-pitched screech that emits from the brake pads as they gradually wear down. Interestingly, the screeching sound is not directly caused by worn-out brakes; manufacturers intentionally insert a metal component within the brake pads to alert you when a replacement is imminent.

If you’re still hearing a squealing even after installing new brake pads, it’s possible that your rotors might be glazed. This happens when the metal gets heated up and burns because of excessive braking. Take a look at your rotors for any blue marks or dark rings; either is a sign that you need to replace the rotors as well.

If you notice a harsh, metallic sound rather than a high-pitched squeal, it indicates that your brake pads have completely worn out past the point where replacement is possible. Schedule service immediately in this case, as leaving your car in this state could lead to further safety compromises.

The Eye Test 

Sometimes it’s easier not to overthink things. If your brake pads look like they have a problem, they likely do. If you’re having trouble locating them, they’re wedged between the wheels’ spokes, pressed up against the rotors. Measure the pads, and if you find they’re less than a quarter of an inch thick, it’s time for a replacement.

Performance Anomalies 

When your brakes stop responding as quickly as they should, it may be a sign of a leak in your braking system. If your brakes are sending out vibrations (the kind that causes your steering wheel to shake, not the good, Beach Boys kind), either the brake pads or rotors require servicing.

Your brakes are always sending messages like these to alert you to their condition. The more in tune you are with your vehicle, the better you’ll become at assessing when and why your vehicle is behaving abnormally.

Extreme Sensitivity 

Perhaps you started your Dodge Hornet this morning only to find your brakes behaving with unusual sensitivity, jerking you to a halt at the slightest tap of the brake pad. This could be due to either the rotors wearing down unevenly or the brake fluid needing replacement.

Conversely, you could encounter a situation where your brakes become unresponsive unless you apply excessive force. This could indicate low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or even a potential problem with your car’s hydraulic system.

Puddle of Doom 

The worst sight on a beautiful sunny day is finding a puddle formed beneath your stationary car. You hope it’s just leftover rainwater, but you know it’s more likely your brake fluid leaking. You should be able to distinguish between regular motor oil and the thinner consistency of brake fluid. In either case, your car is thirsty and needs more fluids, pronto.

Give Me a Brake

Life may be full of stops and starts, but you should be able to retain as much autonomy over them as you possibly can. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of of worn-out brake pads, glazed rotors, or a faulty hydraulic system. Visit us at Healdsburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today, where we never put the brakes on a good deal. With our collection of new and used vehicles waiting to be driven off the lot, your dream car is just a stop away.