Drivers can serve as an early warning indicator of potential braking system problems, maintains Sylvester Stevenson, a veteran automotive industry consultant. Drivers should be alert for signs of trouble and immediately report any to the shop or maintenance department.
By taking quick corrective actions, and not letting issues worsen, costly repairs and breakdowns often can be avoided, says.
Stevenson recommends that drivers be coached to pay attention to certain noises and sensations that could indicate brake problems. Among them:
- Brakes that chatter, screech, grind, squeal or whine. These may be signs of issues with brake pads, shoes and rotors.
- A “soft” or “spongy” brake pedal. Having to press down farther on the brake pedal to slow down or stop could be the sign of worn brake pads, not enough brake fluid or contaminated brake fluid.
- A brake pedal that is too firm. Possible causes for this could be obstructions with brake lines or problems with the brake system’s vacuum system.
- Brakes that grab or pull. Brakes that grab or pull when a small amount of pressure is applied to the brake pedal is likely due to contamination of brake pads or linings with brake fluid, oil, grease, etc., or problems with the brake pads themselves.
- Brakes that drag. This occurs when brake pads or shoes do not release completely when the brake pedal is released. Probable causes include problems with the master cylinder or return springs and/or poor lubrication.
- The brake warning light comes on. Depending on the make and model of a specific vehicle, the brake warning light can serve many functions, including indicating that the parking brake wasn’t released, the parking brake pedal/lever is misadjusted or there is a fault in the braking system. The vehicle’s owner manual will have a list of the light’s functions for the vehicle.
