Signs That Your Car Needs Brake Repair Or Replacement

Posted by OBD Tech Plymouth on March 6th, 2025

One of the most crucial components of a vehicle, which is often neglected, is the brake. It is a part of human nature that we tend to overlook things until any issue arises. Since brakes are a pivotal part of a vehicle on which our safety depends, it is not worth waiting till any malfunction occurs. If neglected, it can lead to catastrophic consequences and moreover it fails the test conducted by MOT Test Plymouth. Thus, it is recommended that we be more vigilant and look out for signs that suggest any impending malfunctioning of the braking system. 

Here are some signs that suggest that your vehicle requires a brake replacement

Spongy brake pedal

Whenever you notice that the brake paddle of your vehicle is soft then this is an indication that the hydraulic system of your vehicle is not functioning well. It can occur due to various reasons, some are malfunctioning callipers, brake lines, deteriorating cylinders, a compromised flex line, etc. One of the other concerns that you need to look out for is brake fluid. If the level of brake fluid is low then it might allow air to enter into the system. This might cause a lot of issues so it is important to go to a professional for a checkup. 

Leaking Fluid

For proper braking of the vehicle, the braking fluid needs to perform properly. As per Brake Repair, there are numerous components that are interconnected with the braking system. The common areas where leaks generally occur are junctions where rubber lines are attached to the callipers and near the wheels. It is very important to always scrutinize for any leaks because simple or minor leaks can affect or spoil the total braking capacity of the vehicle. 

Hard Braking Pedal

A stiff or hard braking pedal symbolizes a problem within the power-assisting mechanism. There are various parts of a system that help in the braking of a vehicle, these parts include hydraulic, vacuum, and electric systems. When any of these components malfunction then it becomes difficult to press the braking pedal. So it is always advisable to diagnose and address the root cause of these issues.

Takes a longer time to halt

If your car takes a longer time or distance to come to a stop then it is known as brake fading. According to a survey by Brake Repair, if you apply continuous brakes on a steep topography, then it might cause temporary brake fade. This might lead to the overheating of the rotor and pads of the vehicle. There is a time frame for everything, so if this issue continues over a certain period then it might lead to severe degradation or damage to the braking component. Thus it requires proper inspection by professionals for proper functioning. 

Grinding noise

If you hear a grinding noise during braking then it is a sign that the braking pads might have worn down due to which there is friction in the metal base. It decreases the braking efficiency and can cause further damage to the rotors of the braking system. Inorder to prevent further damage, such noises require immediate attention. As a solution to this issue, you might have to change both brakes and rotors.

Lag during acceleration

When you reverse your car and experience a lag in acceleration then it is due to potential brake drag. This could be a result of a drum brake. Thus it is always important that you take your car for regular maintenance so that any issues get resolved quickly thereby improving the total performance of the vehicle. 

Dashboard warning light

If there is any warning light projected on the dashboard then it is a clear indication of an issue with the braking system. There is a leading braking warning light and if that illuminates then it is a significant sign that there is an issue with the hydraulic system. So it is important to not overlook these signs. 

The car slides to the left or right

As per Brake Repair Plymouth, if you notice that your car slides to one side whenever you apply brakes then it indicates that the braking system is not functioning evenly on both sides. These are usually caused by uneven wear of the various components present in the braking system. The primary cause of such an issue is a damaged wheel cylinder or a jammed calliper. The solution is to replace the various components of the brakes symmetrically to solve such issues and provide a safe driving experience.

Pungent smell

If you get any type of pungent smell then it is a warning sign for sure. This is because overheating brakes produce such a smell which can be really harmful for the braking system. In certain cases, you might even notice a smoke which is a clear indication that the friction lining is burning. 

Conclusion

It is important to identify whether there is any issue with your braking system or not. So if your brakes are making unusual noises, if your car glides to one side when the brake is applied, or the brake pedal feels spongy, then it is a clear sign that there is a problem with the braking system and you should reach out to a professional car service provider like MOT Test.