As one of the most critical parts of your car when it comes to keeping your family safe in an emergency, it is essential that you keep your brakes in good condition. 

Even if there aren’t any warning signs that your brakes need a service, you should aim to have a professional take a close look at them every six months. By doing so, your mechanic can uncover potential issues, keep you safe on the road and help prevent costly brake repairs later on.

Between car brake services, it is important to stay aware of the potential warning signs that something could be wrong with your vehicle’s brake system.

Signs you should get a brake service

Brake warning light

A brake warning light appearing on your dash is the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your brakes. This light will usually appear as a circle with a ‘!’ in the middle and the word ‘BRAKE’ underneath or above. 

This can be resolved by something as simple as having a mechanic fill up the brake fluid, or it could be indicating a more serious problem. Either way, a car with the brake warning light showing is usually unsafe to drive, so you should give a professional a call as soon as possible. 

Unexpected noises

A major indicator that you may need a brake check up is unusual sounds when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. This could be grinding, squealing, crunching or screeching noises, which suggests that it may be time for your next brake service.

Slow brake response

If your brakes have an issue, you may notice that your vehicle is taking longer to stop than usual. In an emergency situation, a delay of less than a second can make all the difference. Similarly, if there is a change in brake pressure – such as the pedal feeling more difficult to press, or more slack – it is time to see the mechanic.

Shuddering or vibrations

If you are feeling vibrations or shaking when pressing on the brake pedal, this can be a cause for concern. Brake issues may also cause a shuddering sensation in the steering wheel when the brakes are applied. To maintain your safety on the road, you should book a brake inspection as soon as you can.

Burning smell

A burning smell while driving is often a sign of problems with a vehicle’s braking system. Whether the issue is with your brakes or not, burning smells while driving should always be assessed by a professional, ensuring there isn’t a larger issue that could prove catastrophic later.

Trust the brake service experts

The expert mechanics at Hi-Mech Auto Solutions are here to help with all your vehicle needs, whether it’s a general service or a problem with squeaky brakes. Car servicing and repairs are made easy with our professional team, based in the Toowoomba area.

Using the latest technology and our years of experience, we will be able to diagnose any problem with your brakes and get you back on the road quickly. We understand how important it is to get the job done right, especially with something as life saving as your brakes.

If you are due for your next brake service or want some assurance that your brakes are at their best, get in touch with the Hi-Mech Auto Solutions team on (07) 7517 0121. Alternatively, you can complete our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.