Six Things You Shouldn't Assume About Your Brakes

Brakes are one of the most important components of your vehicle when it comes to ensuring safety. That's why vehicle owners need to be properly informed when it comes to brake repair.

The following are six things you shouldn't assume about your brakes. 

Squeaky brakes just need to be lubricated.

Some drivers don't realize that squeaky brakes are a sign of brake malfunctions and not just a sign of inadequate lubrication. This can leave them inclined to continue driving a vehicle with squeaky brakes because they think that their brakes are still working fine.

It's important to realize that brakes that have started to make unusual noises need to be inspected right away because they might make a vehicle unsafe to drive. 

Noisy brakes always indicate faulty brake pads.

Some motorists associate squeaky brakes or brakes making any type of unusual noise with brake pad issues.

While faulty brake pads are one of the most common causes of unusual noises while braking, they are not the only potential cause. Other problems that can cause noises while braking include weak return springs in the brake shoe or damage to the backing plate of the brake pads. 

Brakes don't need to be inspected unless they're malfunctioning.

Routine brake inspections are important for ensuring that brakes are functioning effectively. It can be difficult to notice poor brake response over time because brake functioning can get worse very gradually.

You can enjoy peace of mind that your brakes are functioning properly if you have them inspected once in a while even when they seem to be working fine. 

It's normal for brakes to take a much longer time to stop your vehicle in wet weather.

Although driving in wet conditions can make brake response slightly slower, you shouldn't assume it's normal if your brakes stop your vehicle very slowly in the rain.

If your brakes don't seem to slow your vehicle quickly when you drive on slick roads, you could need to address an issue with your brakes or your tires to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. 

Brake repair is always expensive.

A lot of common brake repair procedures such as brake pad replacement are relatively inexpensive. Drivers might be able to get their brake pads replaced for as little as $115, so this auto repair procedure is far from being particularly expensive in comparison to some other auto repair needs. 

You don't need to take your vehicle in for brake repair right away.

Vehicle owners should never procrastinate about getting brake repair done. Some drivers think that brake malfunctions will get worse very slowly so that they can wait before they schedule repairs. However, prompt brake repair is essential to keep drivers out of avoidable accidents. 

For more information on brakes, contact a company near you.