Your car’s brakes are one of its most important safety features. Without properly functioning brakes, vehicles are unable to stop properly, which can lead to serious accidents.
Many drivers don’t realize their brakes are wearing out until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs that you need brake repairs before they become a bigger problem.
Find out why failing brakes aren’t just putting you at risk for an accident but how worn brakes can also damage the rest of your car.
7 Reasons Worn Brakes Are Dangerous
1. Increased Stopping Distance
When brake pads wear down, your car takes longer to stop. You will apply pressure to the brakes and will notice a delay in stopping response. This can happen at red lights, on the highway, and in emergent situations.
Even a fraction of a second can mean the difference between avoiding an accident and crashing into another vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle. Worn-out brakes make stopping unpredictable, especially in emergencies.
2. Loss of Vehicle Control
Failing brakes can cause your car to pull to one side or skid when you try to stop. This loss of control is particularly dangerous on wet or icy roads, where skidding can lead to spinouts or collisions.
If your vehicle isn’t stopping where and when you need it to, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. You never want to risk your vehicle veering to one side or moving out of control. This is why it is important to invest in brake repair maintenance and watch for signs of failing brakes.
3. Brake Slippage
As brake pads wear thin, they may not grip the rotor properly, causing your car to slide when braking. This is known as brake slippage and can be extremely hazardous, especially when driving downhill or in heavy traffic.
If your brakes aren’t reliable, you can’t trust them to stop your vehicle when needed. You may notice your brakes start to engage and then disengage, causing you to pump the brakes or veer to the side to avoid a collision. This can also put you at risk for speeding tickets or other traffic violations and fines if you cannot control the speed and direction of your car.
4. Unpredictable Braking Behavior
When brakes start to fail, they can work inconsistently—sometimes grabbing too hard, other times not engaging enough. Many drivers make the mistake of thinking their brakes only stop working sometimes, so the problem isn’t urgent. The fact is, any brake failures can be a danger on the road.
This unpredictability of brake response makes it difficult to drive safely and react appropriately in fast-changing traffic situations. The moment you notice your brakes stop responding, you need to schedule brake repairs near you.
5. Increased Risk of Brake Failure
Ignoring brake issues can eventually lead to complete brake failure. If your brakes give out while driving, you may have no way to stop except by using the emergency brake, which isn’t designed for full-speed stops. This can lead to catastrophic crashes.
Even though minor brake repairs or worn brakes don’t seem like they need emergent attention, fixing brakes at the first sign of brake failure can prevent costly repairs and unexpected accidents.
6. Expensive Damage to Your Vehicle
Failing brakes don’t just put you at risk—they also damage your vehicle. When brake pads wear down completely, metal-on-metal contact occurs, grinding down the rotors and other brake components. This can lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided with early maintenance.
By catching brake repairs early or investing in brake maintenance, you can stop your rotors and other vehicle parts from getting damaged, leading to even higher repair costs.
7. Overheating and Brake Fade
Brakes generate heat when they’re used, but worn-out brakes struggle to dissipate this heat effectively. This can cause brake fade, where the brakes become less effective the longer they’re used, making them unreliable in high-stress situations like downhill driving or stop-and-go traffic.
The danger of brake fade and overheating brakes is that they will start to respond but then give out the longer you apply force. Never get caught pumping your brakes and engaging the emergency brake to stop in high-pressure situations when a brake repair can take care of the problem.
Warning Signs You Need Brake Repairs
Before you find yourself in a traffic collision due to faulty brakes, be sure to inspect your brakes annually. Preventive vehicle maintenance and knowing the early signs of brake failure can help you stay safe on the road and catch brake repairs early.
- Squeaking or grinding noises when braking
- A soft or spongy brake pedal
- Vibrations or shaking when braking
- Burning smell near the tires after braking
- Warning light on the dashboard
What to Do If You Notice Early Signs of Brake Repairs
If you recognize any of these warning signs of brake failure, don’t wait to get your brakes inspected. Delaying repairs can lead to dangerous driving conditions and expensive repairs.
Regular maintenance and brake checks can keep you safe and prevent major issues. Talk to Hoffmaster’s Auto Care for affordable brake repairs in Silver Spring, MD. Honest, affordable brake services to help prevent dangerous collisions on the road.
Failing brakes are a serious hazard that can lead to accidents, loss of control, and costly damage. If you’re wondering, “Do I need brake repairs?” or “How do I know my brakes are failing?”, the answer is simple—don’t ignore the warning signs.
Hoffmaster’s Auto Care is here to keep Maryland drivers safe with professional brake inspections and repairs. Schedule an appointment today!
FAQ About Brake Repairs
How often should I get my brakes checked?
At least once a year or every 12,000 miles. Earlier if you notice signs of brake failure like delayed stopping, squealing, or inconsistent braking.
Can I drive with squeaky brakes?
Squeaky brakes are a sign of wear. Get them checked as soon as possible. While your brakes may be responding, squeaky brakes indicate your brakes may be failing and not be reliable.
What happens if I ignore brake problems?
Ignoring brake issues can lead to brake failure, loss of control, and expensive repairs. This can damage your vehicle, leave you liable for the cost of an accident, cause injury, or even open you up to traffic violations and fines if you are unable to control your vehicle.
Where can I get my brakes checked in Maryland?
Hoffmaster’s Auto Care provides professional brake inspections and repairs to keep you safe on the road. If you suspect your brakes are failing, don’t wait—schedule a brake inspection today!
Hoffmaster's Auto Care
Our mission at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care is to provide our customers with the highest level of car repair service and expertise, delivered with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD has been in business for more than 40 years. All our technicians are ASE certified. You can rely on our experience and knowledge for high-quality auto repair and maintenance services.
