Noisy brakes
I’m sure we’ve all heard that sound, whether it’s our own car or someone else’s, of metal scraping on metal when the brakes are applied. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean that your brakes are going to fail, in fact, this is a design choice made so that you are aware that your brakes could be in need of replacement.
Typically, when you hear this noise it’s the sound of a sensor designed to detect metal wear. This sensor is just giving you a heads up that it might be time to get some new brakes. It is important to mention that you might also hear this noise when your vehicle has spent extended periods of time parked under damp conditions. In this scenario, thin layers of rust form on the brakes. The rust will eventually wear off after a short drive and several stops.
If you hear a grinding or growling sound, take your vehicle in for service immediately. This is a sign that you have worn down your brake pads completely. The grinding noise you hear is caused by the disc and caliper rubbing together which can scratch your vehicle’s rotors which can create an uneven surface on your rotors.
Low responsiveness
If your brake pedal feels like it sinks more than it should when you step on it, or if it feels like your vehicle takes longer than it should to come to a complete stop, this could mean that you are low on brake fluid or if there is a leak somewhere. Keep an eye out for brake fluid underneath your vehicle after it has been parked for a while. Brake fluid looks similar to clean motor oil.
Pulling to one side
If you notice that your vehicle pulls to the right of left when you brake this could be a sign that some brakes are working better than others and have worn unevenly. This can also be a brake fluid issue as well.
If you are noticing any of these things in your vehicle, it might be time for some new brakes. Thankfully we at Patrick BMW can assist you! Schedule service with us today by giving us a call 888-484-4780 or clicking here