Are Your Brakes Safe? Know the Warning Signs of Brake Failure

Imagine you’re driving down the highway at 60-plus mph when you realize there’s an accident straight ahead, and you need to slow down and stop — NOW. Going from that speed to a complete stop means covering approximately half the length of a football field, and that’s if your brakes are working the way they should! That’s one of the reasons it’s so dangerous to tailgate another car.

But there’s a potential solution: Quality car brakes. Brakes are integral to the safety of your vehicle. We all depend on them to work when we need them, yet not all of us get brake check service at regular intervals. Would you recognize the warning signs that tell you that you need to get your brakes checked? If not, Northside Ford’s service center is here to give you a few pointers. Read on to learn the symptoms of failing brakes.

Focus on the Forest, Forget the Trees!

Of course, there are some obvious signs of impending brake failure, like the brake warning light flickering on your car’s dashboard. Unfortunately, while many people take note of it time and again, most don’t take action and get their brakes services before it’s too late. (Maybe they’re hoping in vain that it will just go away?)

Another obvious sign is that the car takes noticeably longer than usual to stop. If coming to a sudden stop at a red light gives you anxiety, it might be because your brakes are passing it through the pedal and into your head.

If you notice either of these signs, you can be pretty sure there’s something going on with your brakes, and it’s probably not great. Take your car into our San Antonio Ford service center for a brake inspection and service ASAP!

san antonio brake repair and replacement

Other Signs Your Brakes Are Ailing & Need Attention

Some signs are less obvious but are nonetheless warnings that, although your brakes aren’t necessarily or likely about to fail, something’s not working as intended, and they should be checked at your earliest possible convenience.

Squealing – This comes from a small indicator in your braking system telling you that your car might need brake replacement parts, like pads.
Grinding – This is a more urgent warning telling you that your brake pads aren’t wearing out — they’re worn out. If you ignore it, you could damage your vehicle’s brake rotors, and that job will cost way more than a simple brake pad replacement would.
Pulling to One Side – This can be an indication that one of your brake calipers is stuck and causing friction on one of the wheels. It could also be a sign of uneven brake pads or a collapsed brake hose that’s causing your brakes’ calipers to move unevenly. It could also mean something that’s not related to your brakes at all, like an issue with your car’s suspension or poor wheel alignment. The best course of action to take when your vehicle is pulling to one side is to get it into our Ford brake and service department for a full workup.
A Vibrating Brake Pedal – If you’ve ever had to stop suddenly in a car with anti-lock brakes, you know all too well that rapid pulsing feeling, which is the result of the brake system grabbing the rotors to execute a quick stop. But if you notice that happening under normal circumstances, it could indicate warped rotors. Warped rotors can be the result of extra stress on the brakes, or it could indicate misaligned wheels. Whatever the cause, you know what you need to do (hint: visit our technicians at Northside Ford)!
A “Soppy” Brake Pedal – If you have to press your brake pedal to the floor before your brakes catch, there’s a problem. It could be worn pads or a problem with the hydraulic system. The opposite problem — a brake pedal that catches the brakes the minute you apply the slightest bit of pressure — is also a bad sign that could indicate a worn rotor or dirty or contaminated brake fluid. Either way, it’s time for a brake inspection and repairs before things get worse.
Your brakes are literally your vehicle’s lifeline, so it makes sense to focus as much on ensuring they’re in tip-top condition! After all, you wouldn’t go years without changing your car’s oil, would you? The same goes with brake checks.

If you’re driving in the San Antonio (including New Braunfels), and notice any sign that your brakes are failing, contact Northside Ford’s service center at (210) 525-9800. We service not only Ford models, but also every make and model on the road today. Our professional technicians can do anything from a simple inspection to complete brake replacement!