Boyd's Blog

You step on the brakes but you don't slow down. Yikes!  It only takes one brake failure to potentially cost you your car or even your life.  The brake pros at Boyd's Tire & Service Center want you to know the signs of impending brake failure long before they cause a crash.  Here are five things you should watch, feel and listen for before your stopping power abruptly stops working.

1.  Brake Noise - Most brakes are equipped with small strips of metal called, "squealers" that make an awful, high-pitched racket when your brake pads are ready for replacement.  This noise is annoying on purpose, designed in hopes that even the most oblivious driver will have it checked out.  If you ignore the squeal, the next thing you will hear is grinding as the pads get so thin that the rivets that hold them together start scarring up your rotors.  This is not only dangerous, it turns a simple pad installation into a most costly full brake job.  If you hear the squealers it's time to head to Boyd's Tire & Service Center.

2.  Pulsation - Your brakes get super hot as friction between the pads and rotors creates braking power.  Hit a puddle or a snow drift and your rotors will cool fast. Sometimes they will cool too fast causing them to warp.  Rotors are made flat, but warping makes them look a little like a boomerang and makes your pedal pulsate when you step on the brakes.  If you feel pulsation when you slow down, take a trip to Boyd's Tire & Service Center.  They can machine your rotors flat in some cases or replace them with new ones.

3.  Anti-lock Brake Light - Most modern cars have anti-lock brakes, a system that rapidly pulses your brakes in an emergency stop, which allows you to brake and steer at the same time and shortens stopping distances.  When the light comes on that's a warning that something in the system has failed.

4.  Squishy Pedal - If your brake pedal needs to be pumped up periodically or sinks to the floor, you have a leak or a bad master cylinder.  Either of these conditions spells a potential complete brake failure and needs to be checked out right away. You may even consider having your car towed rather than taking the risk of driving.

5.  Brake Fade - The hotter your brakes get the less effective they will be, at least until they cool down.  Frequent stopping on hot days can cause your brakes to fade.  You will notice your stopping distance getting longer as the brakes get hotter.

When it comes to driving, going is important but stopping with confidence is imperative.  Don't risk brake failure.  If you have any of these warning signs get your car serviced immediately.  Your life may depend on it.