Keeping your vehicle in good shape isn’t just about appearances or vehicle value. It’s also about safety. Most types of car maintenance can affect your car’s safety when it’s left unchecked. Did you know that, according to reports from AAA, over 235,000 vehicles are towed each year due to brake system failures? Of all of your vehicle’s systems, the brakes are one of the most crucial. Here are some of the biggest signs that you need brake pads replaced immediately.

Visible Wear

You can perform a visual inspection of your brakes to check the condition. You’ll see them in between the wheel's spokes, pressed against the metal rotors. If you can see that the pads are less than a quarter inch thick, they need to be inspected professionally, and probably replaced.

Screeching

If you start to notice a high-pitched screeching sound, that’s usually a good indication that the brakes need to be changed. The screeching sound doesn’t mean that your brakes are giving out that second, but rather this is a warning sign that you should get the pads replaced now. Make an appointment with local brake services to have new pads put on.

Screeching After New Pads

If you’ve recently had new brake pads put on and you’re still hearing screeching sounds, it could be the rotors. When rotors become glazed, they will become noisy. This is often due to excessive braking. The metal will heat up and burn. A good indicator that you need rotor work is if you can see blue marks or a dark ring on your rotors.

Slow Brake Response

This is one of the most dangerous symptoms of brake problems because it decreases the reaction time for your vehicle. This can lead to accidents. If you feel that you need to press harder and harder to get the same stopping response, your brakes need immediate inspection. There could be a leak in your braking system. To keep yourself safe, you need to plan local brake services soon.

If you continue to ignore brake service needs, you’ll wind up paying more in the long run. You might wind up having an accident or having more extensive brake problems that will be more expensive to fix.

These are just a few indicators that you need brake services. If you’re looking for local brake specialists in the Rochester, MN area, we can help. Contact Automotive Procare today.