Five Early Warning Signs You Need New Brakes

It’s a brand new year, which unfortunately means your car is now officially one model year older. And with that passing year, your brakes have accumulated another year’s worth of wear and tear.

Gaging the the state of your brakes can be tricky, but by staying vigilant for the subtle signals they send you, you can get ahead of any costly estimates your vehicle stands to inherit this year. Recognizing these signs and moving quickly to address them can also greatly extend your vehicle’s lifespan. 

Courtesy of the service professionals at Gallagher GMC, here are five warning signs that suggest it’s time to replace your brake pads or rotors.

High-Pitched Screeching 

Often, you hear brake problems before you see or feel them. That’s thanks to the high-pitched screech that emits from the brake pads as they gradually wear down. Interestingly, the screeching sound is not directly caused by worn-out brakes; manufacturers intentionally insert a metal component within the brake pads to alert you when a replacement is imminent.

If the grating sounds continue despite new brake pads, there’s a chance that your rotors may be glazed. This occurs when metal heats up and burns due to excessive braking. Check your rotors for blue marks for a dark ring; either could indicate that the rotors also need replacement. 

If you hear a grinding, metallic noise instead of squealing, it is a sign that your brake pads have worn down completely beyond the point of replacement. In this event, it’s crucial to bring your vehicle to us right away to service your brakes and prevent further safety concerns from arising.

The Eye Test 

Sometimes it’s easier not to overthink things. If your brake pads look like they have a problem, they likely do. You can find them wedged between the wheels’ spokes, pressed up against the rotors. Measure the pads, and if you find they’re less than a quarter of an inch thick, it may be time to schedule a service appointment with us.

Performance Anomalies 

When your brakes stop responding as quickly as they should, it may be a sign of a leak in your braking system. If your brakes are sending out vibrations (the kind that causes your steering wheel to quake, not the Beach Boys kind), either the brake pads or rotors are in need of replacement.

Your brakes are always sending messages like these to alert you to their condition. The more in tune you are with your vehicle, the better you’ll become at assessing when and why your vehicle is behaving abnormally.

Extreme Sensitivity 

Perhaps you started your GMC Acadia this morning only to find your brakes behaving with unusual sensitivity, jerking you to a halt at the slightest tap of the brake pad. This could be due to either the rotors wearing down unevenly or the brake fluid needing replacement.

Alternately, you might have a problem when your brakes prove too insensitive and only engage when you apply excessive pressure. This could be a symptom of low brake fluid, thin brake pads, or even a sign that something is amiss with your car’s hydraulic system.

Puddle of Doom 

The last thing you want to see on a bright, sunny day is a puddle formed beneath your idle car. Unless it’s residue from an overnight shower, it’s most likely your brake fluid dripping out of your car due to a leak. You should be able to tell the difference between regular motor oil and brake fluid, which is notably thinner. 

Give Me a Brake

Life may be full of stops and starts, but you should be able to retain as much autonomy over them as you possibly can. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of of worn-out brake pads, glazed rotors, or a faulty hydraulic system. At Gallagher GMC, we’re here to assist you with all your brake needs, along with battery diagnosis, oil changes, and whatever else your vehicle requires.

Visit Hartford County’s premier GMC dealership today, where we never put the brakes on a good deal. With our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned GMC vehicles waiting, your dream car is just a stop away.