Aug 3, 2020
As a motorist, one of the most unnerving things is knowing there’s something wrong with your brakes, and not knowing what’s causing it.
Questions rush through your mind about how safe you are to drive or even if you should be driving your car. Do you feel your brakes are taking a break? Here are some of the most common causes of brake failure many motorists will face at least once in their driving life.
Common causes of brake failure
Car squeaks when braking
When you apply the brakes, you should be hearing minimal noise. But sometimes, you may hear a loud squeaking or grinding sound and if this is the case, you need to take your car to the mechanic as soon as possible as your brakes could need adjusted.
Brakes can make these noises due to damage from the brake pads, brake lining or something may not have been correctly installed if they have just recently been replaced. This loud, unpleasant noise could also mean wheel bearings are loose.
Brake pedal pulsing
Have you noticed that when applying your brakes, your brake pedal starts pulsing up and down? This problem is due to the rotors being warped, brake rotors are constantly being heated up and cooling down every time you drive which makes them more susceptible to wear and tear. This would be more common if you do a lot of motorway driving or if you are very heavy footed on the brakes.
Brake rotors will need to be resurfaced or replaced, and while you’re getting this problem sorted a mechanic may advise to replace your brake pads or simply check them over to ensure they’re fitted properly. Other pulsing causes would be wear in the steering or suspension mechanisms, or your wheel alignment has been knocked off.
Spongy brake pedal
Another common brake wear problem drivers can experience is when the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or has lack of resistance when engaged. If your brake pedal sinks to the floor without you having to push down much, there could be a leak in the brake system. Brake leaks can be extremely hazardous and can increase your chances of an accident. If you are experiencing spongy brakes, open your bonnet and check the brake fluid levels or take your car to a mechanic.
Steering wheel shakes when brakes are applied
A very common brake wear issue is when you’re driving at high speeds and press the brakes, the steering wheel begins to shake. There are many possible causes of steering wheel shaking such as your front rotors being warped or pad impressions.
If your car has been parked up for a longtime (which has been common for many of us throughout the lockdown period), moisture from rain or high humidity can cause the rotors to rust causing a pad impression. This will then cause the brakes to pulsate and the steering wheel to shake.
Car pulling to one side
A car pulling left or right when braking could be due to a number of problems such as a frozen caliper. Another possibility is that the pistons got bent during a brake job or car accident and can no longer move freely, limiting the amount of pressure to the pads.
Other reasons include faulty master cylinder, worn rotors, brake fluid leaks, or collapsed brake hose. These faults need to be checked right away by a mechanic.
The above listed problems can put you and other road users in serious danger if not looked at as soon as possible. If you are suffering any of the above brake wear symptoms, why not get quotes from pre-approved garages in your local area from MyCarNeedsA.com, saving you time and money. Get your quote!
