Getting To Grips With Essential Car Maintenance
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Getting To Grips With Essential Car Maintenance

When I got my first car twenty years ago, I was clueless when it came to maintaining it and keeping it in a roadworthy condition. As a result, I had to pay for costly repairs that could have been avoided if the car had been looked after better. I learned my lesson and started reading everything I could about basic car maintenance. I started this blog to share what I've learned in the hopes it will save other new drivers making costly mistakes. I blog about a variety of topics, such as troubleshooting uneven tyre wear, the benefits of regular servicing and maintaining your car during the winter months. I hope you find my blog useful.

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Getting To Grips With Essential Car Maintenance

Signs of Damaged Brake Pads That You Should Not Ignore

Reginald Fox

Most motorists know the importance of driving with brakes that are in good condition for their safety. However, some motorists make the mistake of ignoring signs of impending brake repairs, not realising their significance. Not having weird sounds and vibrations checked out could lead to larger problems with your vehicle that will eventually affect your wheels and tyres too. Therefore, it is prudent to know what to look for so as to identify that you will be requiring brake repairs. Here are some of the signs indicating you are driving around with damaged brake pads that you should not ignore.

Your brakes have started pulsating

When your brakes start to pulsate, you will begin to experience a vibrating sensation when you apply pressure on them. This pulsating will come about when your brake pads have started to warp. The warping is typically caused by overheating, which changes the structure of the brake pads. If the warping is not severe, then brake repairs can be administered to remedy the change in shape of the brake pads. However, if the warping is extensive, then your auto mechanic may have to resort to replacing your brake pads altogether.

Your brakes have started clicking

If you begin to hear clicking noises whenever you step on the brakes, it could indicate the need for new brake pads. Typically, vehicle manufacturers will design the brakes with a component that works to prevent your brake pads from moving around when they are depressed. When you start hearing a clicking sound, it means that this component is damaged and thus your brakes are no longer secured in place. In this instance, you will need to replace your brake pads to prevent further movement of the brakes.

Your brakes have started screeching

Another noise you should be wary of that could indicate impeding brake repairs is screeching sounds. This screeching noise will come about due to a metal shim that is installed in the brakes. The metal shim is supposed to alert drivers that their brake pads are wearing thin so as to give you advance warning of brake repairs. It should be noted though that the screeching sound may also come about because rust has developed on your brake rotors. This is why it would be prudent to have a mechanic diagnose the origin of the screeching sound so they can determine if your brakes need repairs or replacement.


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