5 Warning Signs of Brake Problems

Never Ignore Signs of Faulty Brakes

Did you just hear a noise when you pumped your brakes? Perhaps you noticed a difference in your car’s braking performance or the smell of something burning while you were on the road. When your vehicle tries to tell you that something about your braking system isn’t right, it’s best to have it checked right away.

In case you’re not aware, each of the components that make up your car’s braking system has a lifespan. To make sure that they’re doing their job well, these parts need to be regularly serviced or replaced as needed. The last thing you want is to get into an accident because of a brake malfunction.

If you want to avoid an expensive repair due to brake failure, you’ll need to know its warning signs. Kids Car Donations reveals the following signs that you have to watch out for:

1. The brake light illuminates.

Seeing the brake indicators light up on your car’s dashboard could be a sign that you’re past due for a brake inspection. However, it could also mean that you have an engaged parking brake. It’s best to make sure that you’ve fully released your parking brake before you try to think about other possibilities.

2. A burning smell after repeated braking.

You know that you have overheated brakes when you smell a burning odor after you repeatedly pump the brakes while driving on a steep road. Be sure to pull over ASAP, check that you’ve fully released your parking brake, and allow your brakes to cool down.

Furthermore, check for smoke coming from one of your wheels because this could mean that a brake caliper got stuck in it.

3. A soft and spongy brake pedal.

The brake pedals of cars with power brakes usually stop 1 to 1½ inches from the floor mat. On the other hand, pedals of cars with manual brakes tend to stop more than 3 inches from the floor mat.

Does your brake pedal sink all the way to the floor mat when you press on it? Air or moisture in your braking system or an underlying issue with your car’s master cylinder could be causing this problem. This should prompt you to take your car to the nearest auto repair shop.

4. Squealing or grounding sounds when applying the brakes

That high-pitched squealing sound that you hear each time you press the brakes is a sign that your brake pads are worn out and that you need to replace them right away. If the brake pads aren’t replaced, the steel will continuously come in contact with the rotor until the rotor gets damaged.

If you hear a grinding sound, this usually indicates a lack of lubrication in your rear drum brakes. This noise can be heard each time the brake scrapes on certain metal contact points including the backing plate due to rust.

5. Your car pulls to one side.

This usually happens when you’re dealing with a brake caliper issue. A car can pull to one side when a single brake caliper is applying more pressure during braking. However, this could also be an indicator of a brake hose that has gone bad.

Will the Cost of Repairing Your Car Go Through the Roof?

If faulty brakes are just part of the multiple problems bugging your car, if your estimated repair bills would go through the roof, then perhaps it’s time to let go of that clunker. Don’t worry — you can still put that vehicle to good use when you hand it over to us here at Kids Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to improve the health and even save the lives of indigent children in your community who are suffering from disabilities and serious illnesses.

We’ll put up your donated vehicle for auction and use the generated funds to support the vital health care programs and services of the reputable children’s nonprofit organizations in partnership with us. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits provide their young beneficiaries with free comprehensive and quality medical assistance, including emotional support, relief of pain and trauma, and other essential health care services such as access to free social services and educational resources.

You’ll earn your share of rewards for your charitable contribution. You’ll get to remove your unwanted vehicle from your property quickly and at zero cost to you courtesy of our free towing service. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax-filing season.

You can donate not just a car but nearly any other type of vehicle regardless of its condition. We can also collect your donation wherever you are in the country since our vehicle donation program covers all 50 states.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to visit our FAQs page. You may also call us at 866-634-8395 or write to us here and we’ll promptly respond to your queries and concerns.

Bring Smiles on Children’s Faces Today!

You probably can’t help but frown each time you look at your run-down car. However, when you donate it to us, it can create radiant smiles on the faces of children on their way to recovery after getting proper pediatric treatment. Call Kids Car Donations at 866-634-8395 or fill out our online donation form now!