Top signs your brakes are going bad

Good Neighbor Tips. A blog by Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency.

Brakes are a vital safety feature of any vehicle, and getting acquainted with your brake system should be a priority. “The braking system on your vehicle is critical in keeping you and your passengers alive and well and your vehicle out of the body shop,” says James Solomon, Defensive Driving Courses program development and training director with the National Safety Council.

Protect yourself by knowing the warning signs of brake damage or failure—and knowing how to react.

Possible Causes

Brake damage or failure can be caused by a number of factors including, but not limited to:

• Improper or infrequent maintenance, such as low levels of brake fluid and worn brake pads and/or rotors

• Undetected damage from an unknown source

• Hauling a heavy trailer that doesn’t have trailer brakes. This can overheat the vehicle’s brakes and cause accelerated brake wear and damage.

• Wear and tear from weather extremes—including, but not limited to, corrosion from road salt

Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following problems, it’s time to troubleshoot:

• Odd noises. If tapping on the brakes causes a high-pitched squealing noise, you need to see a mechanic as soon as possible. Other suspect sounds? Scratching, scraping and grinding.

• Irregular movements or feeling. If your vehicle pulls hard to the left or right when you stop, one side of your brakes is working optimally and the other isn’t, says Solomon. Brakes that sink to the floorboard or pulsate before they function—or a steering wheel that shakes—also are red flags that warrant attention.

• Inability to stop quickly. An increased stopping distance indicates a problem with your brakes.

• Warning lights. Perhaps the most obvious red flag: the brake warning light on your dashboard flashes when something is amiss.

How to React

If your brakes fail while you’re driving, remain calm, keep your focus on the road and take immediate action:

• Activate your emergency flashers and honk your horn to alert other drivers.

• Take your foot off the accelerator to begin slowing down, and carefully maneuver your vehicle to the right lane or shoulder. Be sure to signal properly and watch for other drivers.

• Downshift to let the engine help slow the vehicle.

• If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, press down firmly on the brake pedal. If your car isn’t equipped with this safety system, pump the pedal.

• Once you’ve decreased speed, engage the parking brake slowly and gradually. If you do this too quickly and with too much pressure, your wheels could lock up.

New Vehicle Tips

“Before purchasing a vehicle, inquire as to what type of braking system it has and the fail-safe system that backs it up,” says Solomon, who recommends asking the following questions while shopping:

• Are you required to listen for a noise from the rotors or drums?

• Is there a warning light system that warns of worn brakes?

• If the yellow brake light on the instrument panel comes on, how long do you have to seek assistance?

• If the red brake light on the instrument panel comes on, what do you do?

• How often (in miles and months) should you have the brakes looked at by a certified brake professional?

In addition to familiarizing yourself with your brake system, make sure you’re well acquainted with your vehicle’s other safety features and never take them for granted.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

– See more here:

This blog has been brought to you by Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency of Scottville. 231-757-3115. www.erindoan.com