How To Diagnose a Brake Problem

brakes require a professional service
but before bringing into the garage
diagnosed any problems herself to save
some cash the first important step is
checking the brake fluid level in your
car if your brake light comes on a
high-pitched squealing and scraping
sound that goes away when you let off
the brake means the brake pads are worn
out but you will only pick up on this
problem easily if your brake pads have
wear sensors attached drive the car
slowly braking often if they squeal you
might need new brake pads or the rotors
may need to be resurfaced or machines a
grinding metal sound means it’s too late
to salvage the brakes and the failure is
damaging your rotors or drums if your
brake pedal feels soft there seems to
sink when you step on it expect to get a
new brake master cylinder if the car
pulls to one side when you step on the
brake pedal check out your hydraulic
pressure it may be insufficient in one
part of the system it could also be
sticking or your car might be
experiencing front-end problems if you
feel a pulsation when braking at high
speeds your brake rotors could be warped
smoking brakes give off a nasty smell
the culprit could be a stuck brake
caliper or wheel cylinder driving with a
handbrake on could also be the cause or
one of the hand brake cables could be
stuck