Whenever you're driving and hit the brakes, you expect the vehicle to slow or stop. Good driving habits and professional brake service ensure you get the right response. The following signs will alert you that you need expert attention, repair, or replacement to keep the car in safe condition.  

When Is It Time for Brake Service?

1. Squealing or Scraping Without Braking

Generally, brake pads are equipped with indicators that squeal to alert you that the pads are wearing thin. When pads lose their thickness, metal tabs at their tops scrape or grind against the rotors. If you hear those sounds when driving but they stop when you hit the brakes, the pads need to be inspected.  

2. Clicking From a Wheel 

Brake pads are enclosed in calipers, and pins hold them in place. The caliper can become loose or its hardware damaged, which results in a clicking sound. A defective part or poor installation can cause the pads to become loose, also resulting in clicking and the need for brake service.  

3. Vibrating Pedal When Braking

Time and ordinary use cause pads and rotors to become thin. Driving and braking at high speeds suddenly or braking hard often leads to warped rotors, with uneven surfaces and premature wear. Then, when you apply the brakes normally, the pads press against the warped or worn surfaces. 

If you put your foot on the brake pedal and it vibrates, that's a sure sign of a problem. You might need to resurface the rotors or install new ones. Pedal vibration also occurs when brake pads become chipped, cracked, or contaminated with materials like mud. Diagnostic testing results will tell you what brake services you need.   

If you need expert brake service, take your vehicle to Heinold & Feller Tire & Lawn Equipment in Valparaiso, IN. Serving the area since 1958, they offer a wide range of auto repair and maintenance services, including brake work, oil changes, and diagnostic testing. They stock a full selection of tires from top-quality international manufacturers. For their roster of repair services, visit their website or call (219) 462-5191 to request a quote.