It’s crucial to regularly check the condition of your brakes to ensure your safety on the road. Your vehicle’s braking system has many components, including brake pads, rotors, and so much more. There are clear warning signs of bad or worn-down brakes, and we at Crain Kia of Bentonville in Bentonville, AR, are here to inform you of symptoms to look out for.
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Screeching
If you’re driving down the road and notice a sound when you apply the brakes, it’s time to take it in for a service appointment. According to AAA, a sharp, high-pitched, or grinding noise usually indicates that your brake pads are worn thin and must be replaced. Karim Nice, on HowStuffWorks‘ blog, explains this sound is typically the brake pad’s wear indicator, letting you know that it needs replacement. As the pad wears away, the wear indicator will contact the disc, creating this high-pitched squealing sound.
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Vibration
If you’re driving down the road and notice a pulse or vibration in your brake pedal, this could indicate that your rotor is warped. On their blog, Autozone says grinding noises and longer or inconsistent braking distances indicate that your rotor needs replacement. They also state that rotors can last 60,000 miles if you primarily drive on the interstate but as early as 20,000 miles if you drive mainly in the city due to stop-and-go traffic. If your car needs new rotors, schedule an appointment with the Crain Kia of Bentonville service team!
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The Brake Pedal
Pushing down your vehicle’s brake pedal should deliver a firm press and a near-instant stop. However, according to Chantel Wakefield on Kelley Blue Book‘s blog, if the brake pedal is squishy and spongy, this could indicate that your vehicle needs repair and can mean anything from a leaking brake line, low brake fluid, or air in the brake line, amongst several other potential issues. If your brake pedal feels squishy, it’s best to schedule an appointment with our certified service team.
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Dash ABS Light
The most obvious indication that your brakes need repair or examination is if your ABS light on the dash lights up. Dustin Hawley, on J.D. Power‘s blog, explains that the ABS monitors your car’s wheels to make sure they turn at the same speed and that the tracker detects abnormalities and alerts you via the light on your dashboard. When the light illuminates, it could indicate several issues, but Hawley says that it usually comes down to four. These are:
- A Malfunctioning ABS Module
- Low Fluid Levels
- Faulty Wheel Speed Sensors
- System is off
Ensuring your vehicle’s brakes are functioning properly is essential to your safety as well as others on the road. It’s important to watch for abnormalities or possible issues with your car’s braking system. Schedule your next service appointment at Crain Kia of Bentonville!
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.