Yes, you should stop driving your car, truck, or utility vehicle if the ABS light has turned on. This light serves as a warning that there is a problem with your anti-lock brake system. You may also end up with an illuminated Brake light if there is a problem with the brake system. JTR Repair advises that it’s better to have your vehicle towed to our shop than to take chances with the faulty brake system. Aside from a dashboard warning, here are other signs that your brakes are going bad.
Burning Brake Smells
If you smell burning odors coming from the brakes, the brake system is too hot. An overheating brake system can fail, so pull over and park your automobile in a safe space to call for a tow truck. Aside from burning odors coming from the brakes, your brakes will also squeal if they are overheating.
Leaking Brown Fluid
Generally, brake fluid is brown, but it can also be red. If you have fluid spots or puddles on the garage floor of either color around your wheels, your brake system is leaking fluid from the brake lines. Low brake fluid can make it difficult to stop your automobile. Fluid can also leak from the master cylinder.
Pulling to the Side
The brake calipers generally need to be changed every 75,000 miles. If you have failed to do so, a caliper may get stuck. When this happens, your vehicle will pull to the side when you apply the brakes. The direction in which the vehicle pulls points to the wheel on which the caliper is stuck.
Spongy or Soft Pedal
Changes in how the brake pedal feels can be a sign that you have tiny bubbles of air in the brake lines or the master cylinder has gone bad. Usually, your brake pedal will feel soft or spongy underneath your foot. It may also give and take or sink all the way to the floor.
Strange Brake Noises
You should not hear anything when you apply the brakes. If you hear squealing, as we mentioned above, your brakes may be overheating. Squealing is also a sign that the brake pads surfaces are too low. If you hear grinding or scraping, your brake pads do not have any surface left on them.
Call JTR Repair in Crawfordsville, IN, today to schedule a brake service if it has been more than 12,000 miles since you had your brakes last inspected. If your vehicle is having brake problems, call for a tow to our shop.