What Stopping Distance Can Tell You About Your Brake Health

Arguably the most important aspect of your vehicle, your brakes should always be in working condition. Like all other parts, they will slowly begin to deteriorate over time, and you may begin to notice that your vehicle takes longer to come to a full stop. This is known as stopping or braking distance, and if you notice a difference in the time it takes to come to a full stop, have your brakes checked.

Brakes tend to wear out even more quickly than some parts due to the high friction they must tolerate. Your car should indicate if there is an issue with your brakes using the sensors in the system, but if you want to find out for sure, there are a few ways to tell.

Other Signs Your Brake Pads Are Done

The first surefire way to tell that your brakes are in need of repair is if you can hear them. A squealing or screeching noise coming from the brake pads means that they are nearly worn out and should be replaced. Manufacturers design brake pads with metal indicators that alert you when they need replacement – but you will hear these indicators when you are not stepping on the brake pedal. In other words, when you are driving along be aware of a shrill squealing noise and have your brakes checked.

Besides the sound or worn look on the brake pads, if your brake pedal vibrates, you should consider taking the vehicle in for a brake pad replacement. Another indicator is if your car pulls in one direction whenever you brake. This means that there is uneven wear on the brakes and one side of your vehicle is worse off than the other.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to check your parking brake every so often to make sure it is working properly. The parking brake should be tested while the vehicle is running. Apply the parking brake, shift into low gear, and try to move forward against the brake. If the vehicle moves forward, you should have your parking brake repaired as well.

Brake Service at 94 Nissan

If your vehicle is experiencing any of these symptoms of poor braking performance, then get it into the shop at 94 Nissan right away! Driving on less-than-optimal brakes is a dangerous game, and if you are even slightly concerned about your brake’s health, then it never hurts to get them checked out. Our service department can help get new brakes installed, and our parts department can walk you through the best options for performance brake pads, including diamond brake pads!