Your car’s braking system is a critical part of the vehicle’s safety. Without properly working brakes, your vehicle is undriveable. Brakes are a consumable part of your car, so you will need local brake repairs eventually. Here are three signs that your car may need brake repairs.

1. Soft Brakes

Whenever you press the brake on your vehicle, you should feel a strong braking action. The brake should feel firm under your foot. When the brake pedal starts to feel soft or spongy, there is likely a problem. You shouldn’t need to press your brake pedal all the way to the floor, as this often indicates there is air or moisture in the system. These issues, among others, will require local brake repairs.

2. Squeaking or Squealing Brakes

When you press your brakes, you shouldn’t hear any noises at all. If you start to hear squealing or squeaking, your brakes may be old and failing. You will most likely need to replace your brake pads, rotors, or calipers. Ignoring any of these issues will lead to more significant problems with your entire braking system and result in higher costs.

Have an expert inspect your brake pads. If they are worn down to less than a 3mm thickness, they likely need replacing, based on our experience. If you continue to let the pads wear down, you put yourself at risk of decreased braking ability and more damage.

3. Vibrating or Shaking Steering Wheel

When your braking and wheel system are working properly, your steering wheel will feel firm and steady. If you start to notice shaking or vibrating in the wheel, it could mean there’s a brake problem. Often, the rotors are to blame. Rotors are a vital part of the braking system that can wear down and require repairs or replacement.

Rotors will progressively get worse if you ignore the warning signs. As soon as you start to feel that the steering wheel is unsteady, you need to take your car in for local brake repairs. This will ensure your vehicle stays safe every time you’re driving.

These are just a few signs that your vehicle may need brake repairs. According to Linchpin, 18% of Americans used an auto repair service at least once in 2022. If you need quality local brake services, contact Georgetown Interstate Transmission & Auto Repair today. We are here to help keep your vehicles in safe working order.