Brake repair and service are some of the vehicle maintenance chores you can’t ignore. Brake pads and rotors have specific life spans, and when they start to go, they need changing. Driving on worn-out pads and rotors is dangerous and irresponsible. The good news is the brakes usually give plenty of notice when they need changing. Pay attention to the warning signs of brake failure so that you can stop your truck and stay safe.

Brake Light Is On

Dashboard lights are known to come on for no reason, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Whenever a dash light comes on, have it checked out. If it turns out to be nothing, so much the better. Brake lights often kick on because it might be time for an inspection, but they could be telling you there’s a problem, such as worn pads, worn rotors, or a leak.

Squealing and Grinding Noise

Squealing and grinding noises are clear warning signs of brake failure—more specifically, failure of the brake pads. Those noises mean the pads are worn down to almost nothing and that metal is scraping on the brake rotor. The stopping power of the brakes is greatly diminished, and the distance needed to stop is increased. Change the pads immediately and check the rotors for damage. They might need replacing, too.

Vibration When Braking

Shaking in the steering wheel or vibration when you apply the brakes are usually the results of an uneven rotor. Brake rotors are the shiny, metal discs that the calipers and pads use to slow the car. The pads press against the rotor to slow the wheel. After thousands of applications, it’s normal for the rotor to change shape, but it’s not good. That means the pads don’t make good, flush contact with the rotor or work as well.

Leaking Brake Fluid

Leaking fluid is never a good thing, especially brake fluid. The braking system is based on hydraulics. The fluid fills the brake lines and creates pressure. When you press the brake pedal, the pressure actuates the caliper, which presses the pads on the rotor to slow down the vehicle. When there’s not enough fluid in the lines, the brakes won’t work. You must find the leak and plug it for good operation of the brakes.

Spongy Brake Pedal

An obvious warning sign of brake failure is a soft or spongy brake pedal. When the fluid level in the brake lines is low or empty, you’ll feel it in the brake pedal. Full lines create the pressure you feel when you apply the brake. When the lines are low in fluid, it’s much easier to press the pedal to the floor without the vehicle stopping.

HFI Truck Center is your home for Isuzu truck parts in NJ. If it’s broken on your truck, we have the parts to fix it.